Theme For English B, By Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes provides insight on the race relations between Whites and Blacks during his lifetime, in the poems, "I, Too" and "Theme for English B", In "I, Too", Hughes mentions that he is "…the darker brother", referencing his darker skin compared to the rest of America, and how he is sent to the kitchen to eat when company comes over. He feels as if he is being pushed aside when asked to eat in the kitchen like a second-class citizen, but he does not get angry. Instead of letting those feelings fester inside of him he uses the time being pushed away to expand his mind, to prove his worth to the rest of America. He follows this up by saying that "Tomorrow, I'll be at the table when company comes", showing his optimism for the future and …show more content…
He was supposed to write a page and let what was written on it reflect who he is on the inside. In the third stanza of "Theme for English B", Hughes mentions that he hears Harlem, a predominantly Black neighborhood in New York City, and identifies with it and its people, but he also identifies with the rest of New York City even if he is not acknowledged by the rest of New York City, which can be assumed as being the "White" part of New York City. This shows the dichotomy of Hughes's personality, feeling at home in these two very different worlds yet only being accepted by one. In the same stanza, he compares himself to the rest of New York City. He shows that he isn't much different from them as he has the same tastes and interest as them. Hughes calls back to the beginning of the poem with the assignment asking, "So will my page be colored that I write?", in regard to how he is viewed by everyone else even if he has the same interests as whites. He shows an interest in aspects of both cultures, but it all comes down to race when people view him. Hughes goes on to say that both Black and White cultures along with many others are a part of what it means to be