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Salvation: The Journey Of True Faith


            Among Afro-American writers, Langston Hughes, one of the well-known names in Harlem Renaissance stories, establishes the tone in his writings through the language and the elements used. For example, in his short story "Salvation" Hughes utilizes the difference between good and evil as an analogy for religion. The narrator is expressing dissatisfaction in not having "Jesus to come to me" (181) and loss of religion faith brought about by social pressure to become a born-again Christian. Some people would believe attending church makes them a true Christian; however, some people need more than attending church to have Jesus in there life.
             Hughes establishes the tone of "Salvation" more so by the simplicity of his informal diction, incomplete sentences and the need of evidence to have faith. For instance, in aunt Reed's conversation with the child stating that there would be a light and a spiritual feeling inside that proved Jesus came into your life. She told him that "you could see and hear and feel Jesus in your soul" (181) and he literally believed her.
             Imagine being a child growing up with no knowledge of faith. He was facing many challenges associated with the making of a decision to walk up to the alter and take a vow of faith. For example, the constant prays from the sisters and deacons that surrounded the two boys, with absolute pressure to get up and be saved. Another example of the hardships that he came across was the peer pressure of the sudden whisper from his friends, Wesley, "God damn! I am tired of sitting here. Let's get up and be saved" (182).
             It is also assumed that individuals join the church only so they can acquire the praise or glory of their peers and fellow church members. For minimal efforts of getting up from their seats, an individual can receive up lifting respect and admiration.
             Langston has proved throughout the story time and time again that he had questionable faith and thought it better to relieve the pressure from friends and family by faking the acceptance of Jesus into his life.


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