Marxist Criticism

The objectives of the study are to analyze the structural element Langston Hughes’
poems and to analyze the poems based on Marxist Approach. The poems are A New
Song, Children Rhymes, Cross, I Too and Mother to Son. In collecting the data the
writer uses documentation method by selecting the poems of Langston Hughes which
can be found in the Langston Hughes of Poems collection. The data are taken from
internet and written by Langston Hughes. This research employs the theory of Marxist.
The result of the study shows that first; Langston Hughes creates structural elements of
poems related with social realities in historical background. Second, the poems of
Langston Hughes reflect Racial Discrimination in America in early twentieth century. In
these poems, Langston Hughes gives response, opinion and sympathy to the social
condition.

A New Song Langston Hughes

I speak in the name of the black millions

Awakening to action.
Let all others keep silent a moment
I have this word to bring, That day is past-
This thing to say, For now,
This song to sing: In many mouths-
Bitter was the day
Dark mouths where red tongues burn
When I bowed my back
And white teeth gleam-
Beneath the slaver's whip.
That day is past. New words are formed,
Bitter was the day Bitter
When I saw my children unschooled, With the past
My young men without a voice in the world, But sweet
My women taken as the body-toys With the dream.
Of a thieving people. Tense,
That day is past. Unyielding,
Bitter was the day, I say, Strongand sure,
When the lyncher's rope They sweep the earth-
Hung about my neck,
Revolt! Arise!
And the fire scorched my feet,
The Black
And the oppressors had no pity,
And only in the sorrow songs And White World
Relief was found. Shall be one!
That day is past. The Worker's World!
I know full well now The past is done!
Only my own hands, A new dream flames
Dark as the earth, Against the
Can make my earth-dark body free. Sun!
O thieves, exploiters, killers,
No longer shall you say
With arrogant eyes and scornful lips:
Marxist Criticism

"You are my servant,

Black man-
I, the free!"