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The Big Sea: An Autobiography by Langston Hughes

Isaac Mitchell

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The Big Sea: An Autobiography (American Century)

by Langston Hughes

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1772 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	363 pages

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The Big Sea is an autobiography by Langston Hughes, one of the most important figures in the Harlem Renaissance. The book tells the story of Hughes's life from his childhood in Joplin, Missouri, to his early years as a writer in New York City.

Hughes was born in 1902 to a white father and a black mother. He spent his early years in Joplin, Missouri, where he was raised by his grandmother. Hughes's grandmother was a devout Christian, and she instilled in him a strong sense of faith. However, Hughes also experienced racism and discrimination in Joplin. He was often called names and made to feel like an outsider.

In 1915, Hughes moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to live with his mother. He attended high school in Cleveland, where he began to write poetry. Hughes's poetry was often about the experiences of African Americans in the United States. He wrote about racism, discrimination, and poverty. However, Hughes also wrote about hope and resilience.

In 1921, Hughes moved to New York City. He hoped to become a writer, but he struggled to find work. Hughes worked a variety of odd jobs, including busboy, waiter, and cook. He also wrote poetry and short stories. In 1926, Hughes published his first book of poetry, The Weary Blues. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Hughes as a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

The Big Sea is a moving and inspiring autobiography. Hughes writes about his life with honesty and candor. He does not shy away from difficult topics, such as racism and discrimination. However, Hughes also writes about hope and resilience. He shows how he was able to overcome adversity and achieve his dreams.

The Big Sea is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, African American literature, or the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes's autobiography is a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the United States.

About Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902. He was the son of a white father and a black mother. Hughes's parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his grandmother. Hughes began writing poetry in high school. In 1921, he moved to New York City to pursue a career as a writer. Hughes published his first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, in 1926. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Hughes as a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

Hughes wrote a variety of works, including poetry, short stories, novels, and plays. He also wrote for newspapers and magazines. Hughes's work often dealt with the experiences of African Americans in the United States. He wrote about racism, discrimination, and poverty. However, Hughes also wrote about hope and resilience. He showed how African Americans were able to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.

Hughes died in New York City in 1967. He was 65 years old. Hughes is considered one of the most important figures in American literature. His work has been translated into more than 20 languages.

The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that took place in Harlem, New York, in the 1920s and 1930s. The Harlem Renaissance was a time of great creativity and innovation in African American art, literature, and music. Some of the most famous figures of the Harlem Renaissance include Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington.

The Harlem Renaissance was a time of great change for African Americans in the United States. The Great Migration, which saw millions of African Americans move from the rural South to the urban North, was in full swing. African Americans were also beginning to make significant gains in education and employment. The Harlem Renaissance was a time of hope and optimism for African Americans. It was a time when they could celebrate their culture and their achievements.

The Harlem Renaissance came to an end with the Great Depression. The Depression caused widespread unemployment and poverty, and it made it difficult for African Americans to continue to make progress. However, the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance lives on. The Harlem Renaissance helped to change the way that African Americans were viewed in the United States. It also helped to inspire a new generation of African American artists, writers, and musicians.

The Big Sea By Langston Hughes The Big Sea: An Autobiography (American Century)