what is the point (thesis) of hughes's story salvation

Salvation by Langston Hughes Summary

Langston Hughes, a famous African American writer, wrote a short story called “Salvation” that talks about his childhood experience with religion. This story is part of his autobiography, “The Big Sea,” and it tells us about a time when young Langston went to a church revival meeting. What happened there changed how he thought about faith and made him question what he believed.

In this post, we’ll look closely at “Salvation” and try to understand what Hughes was trying to tell us. We’ll break down the story, talk about its main ideas, and think about why it’s still important today.

What You'll Learn

Who Was Langston Hughes?

Before we dive into the story, let’s talk a bit about the writer:

Langston Hughes was born in 1902 and died in 1967. He was a big deal in American literature, especially during a time called the Harlem Renaissance. This was when African American art and writing became really popular and important.

Hughes wrote all kinds of things – poems, stories, plays, and essays. He liked to write about what it was like to be Black in America. He often talked about everyday life, dreams, and the struggles people faced.

What made Hughes special was how he wrote. He used simple words and rhythms that sounded like people talking or like jazz music. This made his writing easy to understand and enjoyable for lots of people.

The Story: What Happens in “Salvation”?

Now, let’s look at what actually happens in the story:

• The Setting: The story takes place at a big church revival meeting. A revival is when a church has special services to get people excited about their faith.
• Young Langston: He’s 12 years old and the main character.
• Auntie Reed: Langston’s aunt who brings him to the revival.
• Westley: Another young boy at the revival.
• The preacher and other church members.
• Langston’s aunt tells him that when you’re saved, you see a light and Jesus comes into your life.
• At the revival, the preacher asks for children to come forward to be saved.
• Many kids go up, but Langston and Westley stay in their seats.
• Westley gets tired of waiting and goes up, saying he’s lying just to get it over with.
• Langston stays, hoping to really see Jesus.
• As time passes, Langston feels pressured. Everyone is praying for him and waiting.
• Finally, Langston goes up too, but he doesn’t actually see Jesus or feel saved.
• That night, Langston cries in bed because he lied and because Jesus didn’t come to him.

The Big Ideas in “Salvation”

Now that we know what happens in the story, let’s think about what it all means:

1. The Pressure to Believe

One of the main things Hughes shows us is how much pressure there can be to believe in something, especially for kids. Young Langston feels like he has to say he’s saved, even though he doesn’t really feel it. This pressure comes from:

• The adults in the church who keep praying and waiting for him
• His aunt who expects him to have this spiritual experience
• The other kids who have already gone up to the front

This pressure makes Langston do something he doesn’t want to do. It shows how hard it can be to stand up for what you really think or feel when everyone around you expects something different.

2. The Gap Between Expectation and Reality

Another big idea in the story is how what we expect isn’t always what really happens. Langston’s aunt tells him he’ll see a light and feel Jesus when he’s saved. But when Langston goes to the front of the church, he doesn’t have this experience.

This gap between what Langston is told will happen and what actually happens is really important. It makes him start to question what he’s been taught about faith and salvation.

3. The Loss of Innocence

“Salvation” is also a story about growing up and losing some innocence. At the start, Langston believes what the adults tell him about salvation. But by the end, he’s learned some hard lessons:

• Sometimes adults can be wrong about important things
• People sometimes lie to fit in or meet others’ expectations
• Faith and spiritual experiences aren’t the same for everyone

These realizations are part of Langston growing up and starting to think for himself.

4. The Complexity of Faith and Doubt

Hughes doesn’t give us easy answers about faith in this story. Instead, he shows how complicated it can be. Langston wants to believe, but he also can’t ignore his own experience. This mix of faith and doubt is something many people struggle with.

The story suggests that faith isn’t always simple or straightforward. It can involve questioning, struggling, and sometimes even pretending.

The Writing Style: How Hughes Tells the Story

The way Hughes writes “Salvation ” is just as important as what he says. Here are some key things about his style:

1. First-Person Narration

Hughes tells the story from Langston’s point of view, using “I” and “me.” This makes us feel close to Langston and understand his thoughts and feelings better. For example:

“I was really crying because I couldn’t bear to tell her that I had lied, that I had deceived everybody in the church, that I hadn’t seen Jesus, and that now I didn’t believe there was a Jesus anymore, since he didn’t come to help me.”

This direct insight into Langston’s mind helps us connect with him and feel the weight of his experience.

2. Simple, Clear Language

Hughes uses words that are easy to understand. He doesn’t try to sound fancy or complicated. This makes the story feel more real and honest. For example:

“So I decided that maybe to save further trouble, I’d better lie, too, and say that Jesus had come, and get up and be saved.”

This straightforward language helps us feel like we’re hearing the story from a real 12-year-old boy.

3. Vivid Descriptions

Even though Hughes uses simple language, he’s really good at painting a picture with words. He describes the scene in the church so well that we can almost see and hear it:

“The whole building rocked with prayer and song. Some women cried, and some of them shouted, and some of them, in the back row, moaned.”

These detailed descriptions help us imagine we’re right there in the church with young Langston.

4. Humor Mixed with Seriousness

Hughes includes some funny moments in the story, even though it’s about a serious topic. For example, when Westley gets tired of waiting and decides to lie about being saved:

“‘God Damn! I’m tired o’ sitting here. Let’s get up and be saved.’ So he got up and was saved.”

This mix of humor and seriousness makes the story feel more real and human.

The Historical and Cultural Context

To really understand “Salvation,” it helps to think about when and where Hughes was writing:

1. The Great Migration

During the early 1900s, many African Americans moved from the South to the North of the United States. This was called the Great Migration. Hughes was part of this movement, and it influenced his writing.

The church was really important for many Black communities during this time. It was a place for spiritual guidance, but also for community support and social gatherings.

2. The Harlem Renaissance

Hughes was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a period in the 1920s and 1930s when African American art, music, and literature flourished. During this time, many Black artists and writers were exploring their identity and experiences in their work.

“Salvation” fits into this trend. It’s a personal story, but it also touches on bigger questions about faith, community, and growing up as a young Black person in America.

3. Changing Views on Religion

In the early 20th century, some people were starting to question traditional religious beliefs. New scientific discoveries and changing social norms made some people look at faith differently.

Hughes’ story reflects some of this questioning. Young Langston’s experience shows how some people were struggling to reconcile traditional religious teachings with their own thoughts and experiences.

Why “Salvation” Matters Today

Even though Hughes wrote this story a long time ago, it’s still important and relevant today. Here’s why:

1. It Encourages Critical Thinking

The story shows us it’s okay to question what we’re told, even about important things like faith. This encourages readers to think for themselves and not just accept everything they hear.

2. It Talks About Peer Pressure

The pressure Langston feels to conform is something many people, especially young people, still experience today. The story can help readers think about how to handle situations where they feel pressured to do or say things they don’t believe.

3. It Explores the Complexity of Faith

In a world where discussions about religion can often be polarized, “Salvation” offers a nuanced look at faith. It shows that belief and doubt can exist side by side, which is a reality for many people.

4. It’s a Coming-of-Age Story

The theme of growing up and losing innocence is universal. Many readers can relate to Langston’s experience of realizing the adult world is more complicated than he thought.

5. It Discusses Important Social Issues

While the story is about a personal experience, it touches on broader issues like the role of religion in communities and the expectations placed on young people. These are still important topics today.

How to Read “Salvation”: Tips for Understanding the Story Better

If you want to get the most out of reading “Salvation,” here are some tips:

• Read it More Than Once: The first time, just enjoy the story. Then read it again and look for deeper meanings.
• Think About Your Own Experiences: Have you ever felt pressure to believe something or pretend to believe? How does that compare to Langston’s experience?
• Look for Symbols: For example, the “light” Langston is supposed to see could be a symbol for understanding or revelation.
• Consider Different Perspectives: How might different characters in the story (like Auntie Reed or Westley) view what happened?
• Think About the Ending: Why do you think Hughes chose to end the story with Langston crying? What does this tell us about his experience?
• Look at the Language: Notice how Hughes uses simple words to describe complex feelings and ideas.
• Consider the Title: Why do you think Hughes called the story “Salvation”? Is it meant to be ironic?

The Impact of “Salvation” on Literature and Culture

“Salvation” has had a big impact since it was first published:

• In Literature: It’s often studied in schools and universities as an example of autobiographical writing and as a key text in African American literature.
• In Discussions About Faith: The story has been used in many discussions about religion, especially about the experience of faith for young people.
• In Understanding the Harlem Renaissance: “Salvation” helps us understand the kinds of issues and experiences that writers of the Harlem Renaissance were exploring.
• In Popular Culture: The story has been referenced in other books, movies, and songs, showing its lasting influence.
• In Personal Essays: Many writers have been inspired by Hughes’ honest, personal style in “Salvation” when writing about their own experiences.

“Salvation” by Langston Hughes is a short story, but it’s full of big ideas. It talks about growing up, questioning what we’re taught, and the complicated nature of faith. Hughes uses simple, powerful language to tell a personal story that many people can relate to.

By looking closely at this story, we can learn a lot about Hughes as a writer, about the time he lived in, and about human experiences that are still relevant today. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or coming back to it again, “Salvation” is a story that makes us think and feel deeply.

Related Articles

A Critical Analysis Of Salvation By Langston Hughes

• Q: Is “Salvation” a true story? A: “Salvation” is part of Langston Hughes’ autobiography, so it’s based on his real experiences. However, like many autobiographical works, some details might be changed or enhanced for storytelling purposes.
• Q: How old is Langston in the story? A: In the story, Langston is 12 years old.
• Q: What does the title “Salvation” mean in the context of the story? A: The title is somewhat ironic. While the church revival is meant to bring salvation to the children, Langston’s experience leads him to doubt rather than belief.
• Q: Why doesn’t Langston see Jesus like he’s supposed to? A: The story doesn’t give a definite answer. It could be because spiritual experiences are personal and not everyone has them in the same way, or it could suggest that Langston is naturally skeptical.
• Q: Is Hughes criticizing religion in this story? A: Hughes isn’t necessarily criticizing religion itself, but he is questioning certain religious practices and the pressure put on children to have specific spiritual experiences.
• Q: What does Langston learn by the end of the story? A: Langston learns that adults can be wrong, that people sometimes lie to meet others’ expectations, and that faith isn’t always straightforward or easy.
• Q: Why does Westley lie about being saved? A: Westley seems to lie out of impatience and a desire to conform to expectations. He wants to get the process over with.
• Q: Why does Langston cry at the end of the story? A: Langston cries because he feels guilty about lying and because he’s upset that he didn’t have the spiritual experience he was supposed to have.
• Q: What role does Auntie Reed play in the story? A: Auntie Reed represents the older generation’s expectations. She’s the one who tells Langston what he should expect when he’s saved.
• Q: How does this story relate to the Harlem Renaissance? A: Like many works from the Harlem Renaissance, “Salvation” explores African American experiences and identity. It uses a personal story to touch on broader cultural and social issues.

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The Model Short Story

On "salvation" by langston hughes.

Matthew Sharpe

“Salvation” is the third chapter of Langston Hughes’s memoir The Big Sea , but this two-page tour de force of prose is also a compact and complete story. Here are five things I like about it:

• The control of time.  As the story opens, time breezes along in the weeks leading up to the revival meeting at twelve-year-old Langston’s church. Time then slows down paragraph by paragraph until, as Langston’s decisive moment approaches, it creeps.
• The control of space.  Sometimes we see close-ups from twelve-year-old Langston’s point of view of “old women with jet-black faces and braided hair, old men with work-gnarled hands”; other times we see long shots, as if from up in the church’s rafters: “Suddenly the whole room broke into a sea of shouting. Waves of rejoicing swept the place.” And, as the church does, the author imbues with enormous significance the ten feet of space between the front row of pews and the altar, which the boy must cross to be saved.
• The doubleness of the narrator.  His diction and sensibility move fluidly back and forth between the man’s and the boy’s.
• Polyphony.  Not only the two Langstons’, but his Auntie Reed’s, the preacher’s, and his friend Westley’s voices are heard, as is the voice of the church via the liturgy.
• Irony.  The verbal irony of the title, “Salvation,” is a kind of shorthand for the dramatic irony of the plot, wherein the more lost young Langston feels, the more his fellow congregants are convinced they are saving him.

“Salvation” by Langston Hughes

I was saved from sin when I was going on thirteen. But not really saved. It happened like this. There was a big revival at my Auntie Reed’s church. Every night for weeks there had been much preaching, singing, praying, and shouting, and some very hardened sinners had been brought to Christ, and the membership of the church had grown by leaps and bounds. Then just before the revival ended, they held a special meeting for children, “to bring the young lambs to the fold.” My aunt spoke of it for days ahead. That night I was escorted to the front row and placed on the mourners’ bench with all the other young sinners, who had not yet been brought to Jesus.

My aunt told me that when you were saved you saw a light, and something happened to you inside! And Jesus came into your life! And God was with you from then on! She said you could see and hear and feel Jesus in your soul. I believed her. I had heard a great many old people say the same thing and it seemed to me they ought to know. So I sat there calmly in the hot, crowded church, waiting for Jesus to come to me.

The preacher preached a wonderful rhythmical sermon, all moans and shouts and lonely cries and dire pictures of hell, and then he sang a song about the ninety and nine safe in the fold, but one little lamb was left out in the cold. Then he said: “Won’t you come? Won’t you come to Jesus? Young lambs, won’t you come?” And he held out his arms to all us young sinners there on the mourners’ bench. And the little girls cried. And some of them jumped up and went to Jesus right away. But most of us just sat there.

A great many old people came and knelt around us and prayed, old women with jet-black faces and braided hair, old men with work-gnarled hands. And the church sang a song about the lower lights are burning, some poor sinners to be saved. And the whole building rocked with prayer and song.

Still I kept waiting to see Jesus.

Finally all the young people had gone to the altar and were saved, but one boy and me. He was a rounder’s son named Westley. Westley and I were surrounded by sisters and deacons praying. It was very hot in the church, and getting late now. Finally Westley said to me in a whisper: “God damn! I’m tired o’ sitting here. Let’s get up and be saved.” So he got up and was saved.

Then I was left all alone on the mourners’ bench. My aunt came and knelt at my knees and cried, while prayers and song swirled all around me in the little church. The whole congregation prayed for me alone, in a mighty wail of moans and voices. And I kept waiting serenely for Jesus, waiting, waiting – but he didn’t come. I wanted to see him, but nothing happened to me. Nothing! I wanted something to happen to me, but nothing happened.

I heard the songs and the minister saying: “Why don’t you come? My dear child, why don’t you come to Jesus? Jesus is waiting for you. He wants you. Why don’t you come? Sister Reed, what is this child’s name?”

“Langston,” my aunt sobbed.

“Langston, why don’t you come? Why don’t you come and be saved? Oh, Lamb of God! Why don’t you come?”

Now it was really getting late. I began to be ashamed of myself, holding everything up so long. I began to wonder what God thought about Westley, who certainly hadn’t seen Jesus either, but who was now sitting proudly on the platform, swinging his knickerbockered legs and grinning down at me, surrounded by deacons and old women on their knees praying. God had not struck Westley dead for taking his name in vain or for lying in the temple. So I decided that maybe to save further trouble, I’d better lie, too, and say that Jesus had come, and get up and be saved.

So I got up.

Suddenly the whole room broke into a sea of shouting, as they saw me rise. Waves of rejoicing swept the place. Women leaped in the air. My aunt threw her arms around me. The minister took me by the hand and led me to the platform.

When things quieted down, in a hushed silence, punctuated by a few ecstatic “Amens,” all the new young lambs were blessed in the name of God. Then joyous singing filled the room.

That night, for the first time in my life but one for I was a big boy twelve years old – I cried. I cried, in bed alone, and couldn’t stop. I buried my head under the quilts, but my aunt heard me. She woke up and told my uncle I was crying because the Holy Ghost had come into my life, and because I had seen Jesus. But I was really crying because I couldn’t bear to tell her that I had lied, that I had deceived everybody in the church, that I hadn’t seen Jesus, and that now I didn’t believe there was a Jesus anymore, since he didn’t come to help me.

“Salvation” from  The Big Sea by Langston Hughes. Copyright © 1940 by Langston Hughes. Copyright renewed 1968 by Arna Bontemps and George Houston Bass. Reprinted by permission of Hill and Wang, a division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, LLC. www.fsgbooks.com

Langston Hughes  (1902-1967) was a poet, novelist, playwright, columnist, memoirist, and short story writer. The author of more than 30 books and a dozen plays, he was extremely influential during the Harlem Renaissance and in the decades beyond; he also had a profound influence on a younger generation of writers, including Paule Marshall and Alice Walker. “Salvation” is taken from his memoir,  The Big Sea .

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What Is The Main Idea Of Salvation By Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes is one of the most beloved and influential authors of the modern era. His works have had a significant impact on literature, and his poem “Salvation” is a prime example. The poem speaks to the impact of religion on identity, and it offers a powerful message about the need to confront our faith in order to truly understand it. In this article, we take a closer look at the main idea of salvation by Langston Hughes, exploring the deeper meaning of the poem and its implications.

In “Salvation”, Langston Hughes tells a story of a young boy’s experience with Christianity and salvation. The story is told from the perspective of the boy as he recalls a childhood experience of going to a church revival meeting with his aunt. Initially filled with enthusiasm and enthusiasm, he is soon disillusioned when he realizes that being “saved” requires a greater commitment than the one he is prepared to make. This experience leads the narrator to abandon his faith, and this ultimately serves as a lesson in the limitations and dangers of superficial faith.

The main idea of salvation by Langston Hughes is that one must confront and challenge their faith in order to gain true understanding and knowledge of it. The narrator’s journey serves as an example of discovery, not just of the world around him, but of himself as well. It is not enough to simply accept what is handed down to us, and the poem suggests that we must question and examine everything, even our faith, in order to find true knowledge and salvation.

The implications of this idea are far-reaching and profound. By challenging our faith, we are forced to confront ourselves and consider if our beliefs truly reflect who we are. We must also take responsibility for our beliefs and accept the consequences of our decisions. For example, the narrator’s decision to abandon his faith ultimately causes him deep suffering and regret, and this serves as a warning of what could happen if one fails to confront their faith.

Moreover, this idea of salvation speaks to a larger issue of faith and identity. The poem serves as a reminder that we must strive to fully understand our beliefs and live in accordance with them. This is not only important for our own spiritual growth, but also for our growth in other areas of life. In a society where religion and culture often conflict, this message is particularly important.

Overall, “Salvation” by Langston Hughes is a powerful poem that speaks to the need to confront faith and find a deeper understanding of it. The poem serves as a reminder that we must take responsibility for our beliefs and accept the consequences of our decisions. Its implications are far-reaching and profound, and its message is one that we should all take to heart.

Religion and Identity

Langston Hughes’ “Salvation” speaks to the intertwining of religion and identity. The poem tells the story of a young boy who goes to a church revival meeting with his aunt, only to be disillusioned when he discovers that being “saved” requires a greater commitment than the one he is prepared to make. This experience causes the narrator to abandon his faith and sets him on a journey of discovery and self-realization. In this way, the poem speaks to the impact of religion on personal identity, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our faith in order to gain true knowledge and understanding.

The idea of religion and identity as being intertwined is particularly relevant in today’s society. For example, many modern religions focus on individual identity and self-realization, rather than on collective values. This has led to a situation where individuals are increasingly expected to choose their own beliefs and live in accordance with them. As a result, the idea of confronting and understanding our faith is becoming increasingly important.

Moreover, many modern societies are becoming increasingly secular, with religious beliefs becoming less and less influential. This has led to a situation where individuals are increasingly expected to choose their own beliefs and live in accordance with them. As a result, the poem has an even greater relevance, as it reminds us of the importance of understanding and questioning our faith in order to truly understand it.

Overall, Langston Hughes’ “Salvation” speaks to the importance of religion and identity. The poem offers a powerful message about the need to confront our faith in order to gain true understanding and knowledge of it. This message has relevance for individuals in any society, and it serves as an important reminder of the significance of faith and identity in our lives.

The Challenges of Confronting Faith

Langston Hughes’ “Salvation” speaks to the difficulties of confronting one’s own faith. The poem tells the story of a young boy who faces disappointment when he discovers that being “saved” requires more than he is prepared to give. This experience leads the narrator to abandon his faith, and this ultimately serves as a warning of the dangers of superficial faith. In this way, the poem speaks to the challenges of confronting faith, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for our beliefs.

In today’s society, it can be difficult to confront our faith. Many of us are raised in religious or ethical traditions that dictate our beliefs and actions. As a result, these beliefs can become deeply ingrained, making it difficult to challenge or question them. This can often lead to an unwillingness to confront our faith, and this is where the poem offers an important lesson.

Moreover, when we do confront our faith, we are often met with opposition. This can stem from both religious and non-religious sources, as many individuals believe that their own beliefs are the only true ones. In this situation, it can be difficult to speak out and question our faith, as the fear of being judged or ridiculed can lead us to remain silent. This is why it is important to remember the message of “Salvation” – we must take responsibility for our beliefs and accept the consequences of our decisions.

Overall, Langston Hughes’ poem speaks to the challenges of confronting one’s own faith. The poem serves as an important reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for our beliefs, and it warns against the dangers of superficial faith. Its messages are particularly relevant in today’s society, and they offer an important lesson to those of us who are struggling to challenge our faith.

The Power of the Poem

Langston Hughes’ “Salvation” is a powerful poem that speaks to a number of important issues, including faith and identity. The poem tells the story of a young boy who is disillusioned when he discovers that being “saved” requires more than he is prepared to give. This experience leads the narrator to abandon his faith and sets him on a journey of discovery and self-realization. In this way, the poem speaks not only to religion, but also to the power of language and literature in general.

The poem’s message is particularly powerful in the way it uses language to convey the narrator’s feelings and the emotions of the tale. Hughes’ use of imagery and symbolism helps to bring the poem to life, and each word and phrase are carefully chosen to evoke a strong emotional response. In this way, the poem serves as an example of the power of literature, and of how language can be used to convey powerful messages and emotions.

The poem also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our faith. The narrator’s journey serves as an example of discovery and self-realization, and his experience speaks to the need to confront our faith in order to gain true understanding and knowledge of it. This is an important message that is still relevant today, and it is one that we should all take to heart.

Overall, Langston Hughes’ “Salvation” is a powerful poem that speaks to a number of important issues. The poem speaks to the impact of religion on identity, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our faith. Its message is one that is still relevant today, and it offers an important lesson to those of us who are trying to confront and question our beliefs.

In conclusion, Langston Hughes’ “Salvation” is a powerful poem that speaks to the need to confront and challenge our faith in order to gain true understanding and knowledge of it. The poem speaks to the intertwining of religion and identity, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our beliefs in order to live in accordance with them. Its message is one that is still relevant today, and it offers an important lesson to those of us who are struggling to confront our faith.

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

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Theme of Salvation by Langston Hughes

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What Is the Theme of Langston Hughes’ Short Story, “Salvation”?

The overriding theme of Langston Hughes’ short story “Salvation,” is of disillusionment with organized religion. As one of the writers of the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes believed that African Americans should celebrate their own culture rather than looking to society’s institutions.

The short story is autobiographical and begins with a statement that, in effect, announces the theme: “I was saved from sin when I was going on 13. But not really saved.” These opening statements set up the dichotomy of the story and the question it asks about religion and its meaning.

In the story, young Langston attends a religious revival meeting with his aunt Reed. She tells him that if he is saved by Jesus, he will see a light. The boy believes her very literally, and waits with the other children as the preacher gives a powerful sermon. One by one the children go forward as if they had been saved, until there is only Langston and his friend Westley left seated. His friend tells him he is tired of sitting there, and so advances to the stage as if he too had been saved.

With his aunt and the entire congregation praying for him, finally Langston does go to the stage himself as if he had been saved. The congregation and his aunt are ecstatic, but he cries later on that night because he knows he did not receive “salvation” in the way he was told. He is left with questions about why nothing happened when he and his friend pretended to be saved, and a sense of moral confusion about his experiences and the expectations of his family, the church and society that return to the central theme.

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Langston Hughes: Working toward Salvation

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Kate A. Baldwin, Langston Hughes: Working toward Salvation, Journal of American History , Volume 93, Issue 3, December 2006, Pages 981–982, https://doi.org/10.2307/4486590

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In this two-part series, the filmmaker Bruce Schwartz brings together a fictionalized account of Langston Hughes's autobiographical sketch “Salvation” and interviews with Arnold Rampersad and Alice Walker about Hughes's life and life's work. The first part, “Salvation,” is based on the vignette of the same name that appears in the first volume of Hughes's autobiography, The Big Sea (1940). “Salvation” describes a young Langston's agonizing decision to be “saved” at the urging of his adoptive aunt Mary Reed. The second part, “His Life and Times” contains the interviews that succinctly offer a series of frames for “Salvation.” Those frames include not only the autobiographical but also Hughes's aesthetics, the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on his work, his sense of community, and, perhaps most important for the purposes of this film, his place in the American literary canon. When Rampersad states that Hughes's legacy as a writer depends largely on teachers, the film has a moment of winking at itself. As a product of Films for Humanities and Sciences, after all, the film is created for educators (and indeed could be taught in a number of contexts not limited to literary studies). Nonetheless, the film does a wonderful job of transcribing Hughes's simple and often slippery prose into a straightforward depiction of Hughes's awkward moment of salvation, and his realization that Jesus himself would not descend from the pulpit.

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“Salvation” by Langston Hughes Literature Analysis Essay

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Introduction

The interpretation of the term salvation can take different dimension depending on certain aspects such as one’s background or age. Children, for instance, have their own understanding of religion and salvation as explicated by Langston in his literal understanding of the term salvation.

His inadequate understanding of the term resulted to an unwilling salvation process as a way of pleasing church members and his friend, which left him doubt on whether he received the real salvation. This document, therefore, is going to, extensively, analyze Hughes’s salvation scenario, in order to achieve a clear understanding.

In as much as it is fundamental to embrace salvation by accepting the lord almighty (Jesus Christ) as the sole savior, liberator or protector of all beings, it is also necessary to analyze and understand the process through which individual receive salvation as exemplified by Langston Hughes’s salvation experience.

By analyzing the article on “salvation” by Hughes, it is undoubtedly clear that Hughes never received salvation, despite being part of the salvation prayers held at the church. However, several factors contributed to Hughes’s situation of never receiving salvation, which includes his misunderstanding of the salvation process.

Hughes understood the term salvation in a literal perspective, instead of getting the deeper meaning of the term. He thought that when one receives salvation, he or she must physically observe Jesus Christ coming to his rescue. His understanding followed various explications by his aunt and other elderly individuals, whereby they claimed that one must see and feel the presence of Jesus Christ while receiving salvation.

In addition to his limited understanding ability, her aunt’s inadequate explanation of salvation also significantly contributed to Hughes’s literal thoughts of the salvation process. Hughes’s aunt should have given a detailed explication so that Hughes comprehends salvation process adequately and not in a literal perspective.

This would have helped Hughes to receive salvation in a comfortable and acceptable manner, rather than to act in pretense. Moreover, it would have also helped the young lad to not to, unwillingly, deceive the entire congregation that he wanted to receive salvation.

Conversely, it is also not fair to, completely, blame her aunt’s description, since Hughes was young and could not adequately understand the inner meaning of the salvation process. Whether Hughes’s aunt could have deeply explained the meaning of the salvation process or not, it is highly likely, that Hughes could have misunderstood the whole process. This is because of his tender age, which limits his understanding capacity.

Aside from the factors that contributed to Hughes misunderstanding of the salvation process, it is also clear that Hughes’s decision of receiving salvation had some influence from the church congregation and his friend. This, therefore, meant that Hughes decision of receiving salvation was not his own will, but rather a way of pleasing the congregation and his friend. In other words, Hughes never received real salvation.

Hughes is a young lad who misunderstood the salvation process thus making him question whether he received salvation. He argues that he never literally saw Jesus Christ in the process of getting salvation; thus, he never received salvation. His misguided thoughts about salvation, however, are due to a number of reasons.

Some of the aspects or factors include his tender age and his aunt’s inadequate explanation of the term salvation. His limited capacity of giving the term a deeper meaning also played a central role in Hughes’s misunderstanding of the term salvation.

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Langston's Salvation

American religion and the bard of harlem.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: New York University Press
• Copyright year: 2017
• Audience: Professional and scholarly;
• Other: 7 black and white illustrations
• Published: November 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781479864799