Homework week 3/ 5 paragraph essay analyzing poem of choice edited version for week 4

                         Analysis of a poem by Alicia Reid

               "Theme For English B by Langston Hughes"

          The poem "Theme for English B," by Langston Hughes is a lengthy poem which tackles the issue of race and finding ones identity using imagery and tone to bring the story to life. The narrator depicts a black college student who, in his attempt to write a paper for an English assignment, must also identify who he is in the process. As the only black student in his class, he's conflicted.  Not certain if he should approach the subject from what he knows to be true for certain and that is he's black or from the perspective of just another student in an English class in America. The narrator is not sure he can be true to himself if he doesn't stay true to his race and culture versus approaching the assignment without regard to race, which at 22 he identified the most with. The struggle begins with the fact that the narrator lived first in the south, where race and discrimination based on skin color was a way of life, then in Harlem New York during the Harlem Renaissance Era when black writers and artists were heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement, but discrimination was less blatant. 

   

          The narrator sets the tone of the poem by writing in free verse. The language being simple,

"Theme for English B", speaks directly to the consciousness of the times. The poem begins with a quote from the narrators english instructor, "Go home and write a page tonight./And let that page come out of you---Then, it will be true"(Hughes 1-5). The instructors intent for this assignment was for each student to write something from their heart. The narrator expresses doubt that the instructor could indentify with what his truth is giving the fact that he, the instructor is white, listing several facts

about himself that clearly sets him apart from his classmates and the instructor.  One being he is the only black student in the class. "I wonder if it's that simple?//I am twenty two, colored, born in Winston-Salem"(Hughes 6-7)."I am the only colored student in my class"(Hughes 9).  These things he says in frustration, not believing his instructor could relate. He then goes on to speak on the traits he and his classmates have that are similar, "I like to work, read, learn,and understand life"(Hughes 21-22). This too is very much my truth, which is what the entire class has in common regardless of where we come from. 

          The narrator writes that at his young age, he doesn't know what is true. By showing that they all have things in common, even if at first glance they are different, the narrator continues to depict his dilemma and the conflict he experiences while trying to find his identity. He knows he is both a part of Harlem and a part of an predominately white class, "I guess I'm what I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you"(Hughes1718). While he continues to struggle with his identity, which includes race and culture.  The narrator acknowledges that it doesn't define who he is as a person, "I guess bring colored doesn't make me not like the same things other folks like who are other races"(Hughes 25-26).  

          Although he's different from his peers in some ways they are all Americans with similar likes and common purposes. Therefore, they will all learn from each other, which will increase diversity and discovery. Through their parallels, everyone can bring a different perspective or their individual truths to share. I found the common theme of this poem easy to relate to, the tone being the commonality of identity crisis, which is a universal subject. Regardless of ones' cultural background or race, we all struggle at one time in our lives with who we are and where we fit in the world. 

          In conclusion, it can be difficult to find commonalities with new acquaintances, especially when we come from such diverse backgrounds. It's much easier to revert back to our comfort zones. But, if we open ourselves to new experiences, it is not hard to find similarities like the narrator does in the poem, "I like to work, read, and understand life"(Hughes 22). As in the sentiment I believe Langston Hughes was trying to convey on the matter of diversity, he writes, "As I learn from you, I guess you learn from me"(Hughes 37-38).  Instead of isolating ourselves from what's not familiar, we can choose to engage and find similarities among our peers, creating a more diverse environment rich with many perspectives.