Langston Hughes and the Free Verse Poem Matt Gellman

Free Verse and Open Form Poetry written without specific meter, length, rhyme scheme, or any other rules. Allows the writer to create a poem using the flow of everyday speech. Usually conversational and free-flowing; more abstract than other poetry forms. More emphasis is placed on word choices due to the lack of restrictions of the form. Gives the writer complete liberty.

More on Free Verse Probably originated in the seventeenth century around the time of the King James Bible (Christian Bible used today). It is possible that free verse poetry began in the fourteenth century, with John Wycliffe’s translations of the Psalms (Judaic scriptures). Has affected biblical writings and translations ever since. Walt Whitman’s work was the major precursor for many modern poets using the free verse form.

Influence in America Most common form of poetry in the United States since the nineteenth century. Seen as a “modern” form of poetry and a freeing break from the structured, classical forms of previous time periods. Some great American free verse poets include: Langston Hughes, Carl Sandburg, Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, Walt Whitman, and many more.

Langston Hughes ( ) Born in Joplin, Missouri to parents of mixed race; raised mainly by his grandmother, Mary Langston, as his mother travelled looking for work as a schoolteacher after his father had moved to Cuba. Hughes is of African American, European, Native American, and Jewish descent. Moved as a child between many small Midwestern towns, especially after his grandmother’s death. His unhappy, impoverished, and fatherless childhood would deeply affect his poetry later in life.

More on Hughes Through the African-American oral tradition of story-telling, his grandmother instilled in him a deep pride of his heritage that later affected his writing. Attended high school in 1918 in Cleveland, Ohio, where he first noticed his love for poetry and writing after being named “poet of the class”. Attended Columbia University upon graduation, but left in 1821 due to racial prejudice within the institution.

More on Hughes Later attended Lincoln University, where he became involved with the black community and met leaders such as Thurgood Marshall. Lived in Harlem, New York for the rest of his life, the central point of black culture during the 1920s (Harlem Renaissance). Rumored to have been homosexual as an adult; had a poor relationship with his father. Became a successful poet, playwright, and novelist while also advocating racial equality and communism. Died in 1967 at the age of 65 due to prostate cancer.

Hughes’ Free Verse Poetry Dealt with African-American issues of prejudice and discrimination, which were very prominent in his life and time period. Explored fatherhood, motherhood, slavery, unity, and discrimination through his work. Spoke in everyday language, making frequent usage of poetic license with no true meter or rhyme. Used his life in Harlem and many travels to gain knowledge about the black community for his work. Considered the most influential African American writer during the Harlem Renaissance.

“Mother to Son” Enjambment—breaking of a sentence at the end of one line for it to be continued on the next line. Extended metaphor—a metaphor that extends throughout the poem, used to represent a central theme. Poetic license—liberty taken by a writer to deviate from grammar or spelling rules; one of the beauties of free verse poetry. Repetition and imagery also used. Tone—weary, pleading, conversational.

Personal Connection/Why He’s Interesting Able to metamorphose his pain and suffering as an African-American man in a racist time into great art. Raises many issues in his poems, including “Mother to Son,” that are still relevant in our society today. Related to the fact that all people have something that can arouse prejudice—religion, sexuality, skin color, etc.—that they must find a way to battle and overcome, as Langston Hughes did for himself. He managed to triumph despite his difficult past, and fought for the causes he believed in when he could have simply given up.

Pictures From His Life