Still Here by Langston Hughes Short Essay
Introduction
Langston Hughes’ poem Still Here expresses the resilience of African Americans in the face of discrimination. The poet speaks about his struggles but makes it clear that he refuses to be defeated. His words reflect strength, determination, and hope, showing that even in difficult times, he remains unbroken.
Forces of Struggle
The poet describes being “scarred and battered,” which means he has suffered greatly. His hopes have been scattered by the wind, symbolizing lost dreams and disappointments. The snow has frozen him, representing emotional and physical hardship. The sun has baked him, showing how life has tested him with pain and suffering. These natural forces—wind, snow, and sun—represent the challenges and discrimination he has endured.
Refusing to Give Up
Despite everything, the poet refuses to be broken. He says that these forces have tried to make him stop laughing, loving, and living. This means that hardships have tried to take away his happiness, kindness, and spirit. However, he declares, “I don’t care! I’m still here!” showing his determination to keep going no matter what.
Conclusion
Still Here is not just a poem about survival it is a declaration of strength. Langston Hughes reminds us that no matter how difficult life gets, we must continue to fight, hope, and live with courage.
Still Here by Langston Hughes in Tamil @Banumathi K's Literature Insights 👇
Still Here by Langston Hughes Detailed Essay / Line by Line Summary
Introduction:
Langston Hughes' poem "Still Here" is about the strength and determination of Black people. It shows how they have faced many challenges, like discrimination and hardship, but they never gave up. The poem uses simple language to share a strong message of hope and resilience, even in tough times. Langston Hughes uses the word "I" in the poem, but "I" stands for all Black people. It shows how they are all fighting to survive, not just as individuals but as a whole group.
About the Poet:
Langston Hughes was an African-American writer who faced unfair treatment (racial discrimination) because of his skin color. In his poems, he talked about the challenges and struggles that African Americans went through. He once said that he wrote to help people understand what it was like to be a Black person in America. His notable works include "Not Without Laughter," "The Ways of White Folks," "Simple Speaks His Mind," "Laughing to Keep from Crying," and "Black Nativity."
Language of the Poem:
In the poem "Still Here", Langston Hughes uses simple words, but there are many grammatical mistakes. He did this on purpose, to show how Black people were treated unfairly by white people, especially during times of racial discrimination. This was his way of standing up against unfair treatment.
About the Poem:
"Still Here" is a free-verse poem divided into two main parts:
1. Racial Discrimination Against Black People
2. Hope for Better Days Ahead
In the first part of the poem, the poet talks about the hard life Black people had. They were treated cruelly and unfairly because of the color of their skin. The poet describes the tough times and challenges they faced, like discrimination and racism.
In the second part, the poet doesn’t give up. Even though life was hard, he talks about staying strong and having hope. Langston Hughes wanted to show that even after all the pain and difficulties, Black people are still here, standing strong and hoping for a better future.
😁 Line by Line Summary 👇
Fear and Pain:
"I been scarred and battered.
My hopes the wind done scattered."
The poet starts the poem by saying he has been very scared and even punished for his skin color. He compares this fear and pain to a strong, violent wind. Life has been so hard for them that it feels like hope has been destroyed or taken away, just like things break in a storm.
Harsh Conditions:
"Snow has friz me,
Sun has baked me,"
In the poem, snow and sun represent two different kinds of harshness, extreme cold and extreme heat. Black people, as slaves, were treated so badly that even though they had to work through such tough conditions, from the freezing cold to the burning heat, they never gave up hope and continued to survive.
Attempts to Break Spirits:
"Looks like between ‘em they done
Tried to make me
Stop laughin’, stop lovin’, stop livin’--"
The Whites tried everything to make the slaves give up. They wanted to stop Black people from laughing, loving, or even just living their lives. But despite all of this, Black people kept going and did not lose hope.
Resilience and Hope:
"But I don’t care!
I’m still here!"
Even though the Whites tried to break them, Black people don’t give up. They don’t care about the hate and the hardships. They are still here, still hoping, still laughing, still loving, and still living their lives. The poet shows their strength and determination. Black people are still here, fighting for their rights and refusing to give up.
Conclusion:
In "Still Here," Langston Hughes delivers a powerful message of resilience. Despite all the oppression and adversity, Black people remain strong and unbroken. The poem shows that no matter what storms they face, they continue to stand tall, full of hope, and ready to fight for their rights.
Themes:
💐Resilience
💐Hope
💐Struggle for Equality
💐Racial Injustice
💐Survival
💐Strength in Adversity
💐Resistance
💐Defiance
💐Freedom
💐Pride and Identity
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