The great depression of the 1930s increased the economic pressure on all sectors of life. ... "Mother to Son- also has a deeper meaning; Hughes chose to write this poem like a metaphor, referring his life to a staircase. "Thank You M' am- is clear about its meaning and uses dialog to explain the theme and meaning of the work. In many of Langston Hughes poetry, nature serves as a strong symbol for triumphs and defeat of the soul. ... The use of nature for this purpose draws characters/speakers to life and adds great depth to his works. ...

• Word Count: 1518
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

The tone and subject matter of Hughes' poetry can be linked to certain points in history, and his life. ... This poem shows the growing bitterness in Hughes' life. ... The term third degree has a double meaning, referring to both the third degree murder sentence and also third degree burns. ... For Hughes, it would appear that his life ended on a dejected note. ... For his entire life he had been writing about racism, slavery, and inequality. ...

• Word Count: 1313
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

They gave expression and meaning to the African American experience. ... First, in 1922 Claude McKay was the first black writer that published a volume of poetry "Harlem Shadows" by a mainstream national publisher. Second, in 1923 was by Jean Toomer who wrote a novel named "Cane" that had both poetry and prose that was about the life of black Americans in the rural South and urban North. ... Hughes wrote literary types of writing like poetry, plays, short stories, and novels. ... In early American writings there is more meaning or significance than one would think. ...

• Word Count: 2368
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Locke's most widely known publication of The New Negro (1925), an anthology of fiction, poetry, drama, and essays; he familiarized American readers all over the U.S. ... Harris and Molesworth in their 2008 biography describes Locke's life and his published works takes into account relevant materials found in the Howard University archives and draws from Locke's extensive correspondence. ... A lot is known about his scholarly achievements but his personal life has mostly remained a mystery. ...

• Word Count: 2542
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School

Locke's most widely known publication of The New Negro (1925), an anthology of fiction, poetry, drama, and essays; he familiarized American readers all over the U.S. ... Harris and Molesworth in their 2008 biography describes Locke's life and his published works takes into account relevant materials found in the Howard University archives and draws from Locke's extensive correspondence. ... A lot is known about his scholarly achievements but his personal life has mostly remained a mystery. ...

• Word Count: 2542
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School

Culture, the thing that defines a group of people, is truly interesting. Culture is a phenomenon that is directly linked with the development of its respective group of people. Furthermore a people's culture is expressed through its works, whether it be in politics, literature, athletics, or art. Ar...

• Word Count: 4223
• Approx Pages: 17
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School