Introduction to “Me and My Song”
“Me and My Song” by Langston Hughes presents a specific beauty. In fact, when it comes to beauty, it seems that it is not limited to symmetry in physical features, color, or makeup. It lies in the order of words, aesthetics, and musicality. And this proves true in the case of African Americans in the United States, for not only do they have their own sense of beauty and aesthetics, but they also have their music. The sense that they belong to Africa, a continent usually associated with black color, makes African Americans sensitive about their cultural heritage and its beauty, as its richness lies deep “As the black earth” (Line 17) and is gentle and kind (Lines 2, 4). The humanity associated with the black color represents the beauty of African American culture as well as their origin. The poem by Langston Hughes, “Me and My Song,” thus, through metaphorical language, aims to prove that the African American community and its homeland, the African continent, have their own life, music, and beauty.
Literary Devices in “Me and My Song”
In “Me and My Song,” Hughes makes it clear that the metaphor of the body leaving Africa refers to the lives of people being smuggled or sold to other continents while remaining African. The distinction arises in the discrimination they face after leaving their homeland, described as a place filled with black people. Hughes’s argument centers on the significance of the color black, specifically that of African Americans. He draws parallels between this color and the gentleness and kindness of night, employing various similes. The term “Body” (Line 7) indicates a life that is “Strong and black” like iron, even in the face of discrimination in the United States. This aspect of his argument, however, is implicit rather than explicit. The similes draw parallels between their bodies and the continent, both representing humanity in general. The beauty of life lies in this color, symbolizing both African Americans and their homeland, Africa. Yet, the color’s connection to African Americans and their lives suggests a unique music and specificity of beauty. This music is embodied in his song, which also pays homage to Africa.
Perspective on Music in “Me and My Song”
Regarding Hughes’s perspective on the music in the song “Me and My Song,” it holds specific significance for both African Americans and their homeland, Africa. Hughes introduces the term “song” in the thirteenth line, emphasizing how it originated in Africa and what it represents. He employs a powerful metaphor, describing it as a “Deep and mellow song” (Line 15). With “deep and mellow,” Hughes suggests that this song is profound and incomprehensible to those not from Africa, emphasizing its origin (Line 14). Additionally, the term “mellow” (Line 14) alludes to the contrast with the harshness and adversity faced by the African American community in the United States and elsewhere. Notably, Hughes subtly addresses the dichotomy of mellowness and harshness, yet his emphasis remains on highlighting the beauty of the song, its African origin, and its inherent lack of discrimination, prejudice, or hatred towards others. While he personifies Africa as the source of the song, associating it with “dark lips” (Line 23), Hughes underscores the beauty and richness emanating from Africa, likening it to his compatriots (Line 26-27). This personal connection is further emphasized when Hughes refers to “My and My / Song” (Line 33-34), reinforcing his association with African Americans. The distinction lies in the unique beauty of Africans and Africa, which differs from the perspectives of those who discriminate based on color, race, or physical features. Hughes subtly communicates his message, celebrating the beauty and richness of the song and its roots while implicitly challenging discriminatory attitudes.
Beauty in “Me and My Song”
The beauty of African Americans extends beyond their color to encompass their song and land. Hughes, in “Me and My Song,” employs similes and personification to emphasize the beauty of African Americans. The initial simile equates the color black with the gentleness and kindness of the night (Lines 2-5). Despite this equation, the portrayal is not soft or weak; instead, it is depicted as strong, likened to iron (Lines 9-10). This introduces the idea that the beauty of the African land and its people goes beyond mere aesthetics, emphasizing their strength. Moving on to the beauty of their “song” (Line 15), Hughes describes it as both deep and soft (Line 15). He highlights its richness (Line 16) and strength (Line 19), linking this strength directly to the song. Hughes suggests that African Americans are not only characterized by gentleness and kindness but also by strength and melodic qualities. The beauty lies in this multifaceted portrayal of both the people and their homeland. As the poem concludes, Hughes completes his argument by linking people and land to various features and elements of nature, ultimately emphasizing the beauty encapsulated in “Me and my / Song” (Line 33-34). The poem begins with a focus on color and concludes with the word “Song” (Line 34), highlighting an underlying theme of beauty derived from the association of people and their attributes with nature. This cyclical structure reinforces the interconnectedness of various elements and the enduring beauty that stems from this connection.
Conclusion of Critique of “Me and My Song”
In concluding the argument of linking African Americans and their black color with night and the earth, Langston Hughes, in “Me and My Song,” aims to convey that African Americans possess the same human features as others. His adept use of metaphors, similes, and personifications, often repeated throughout the poem, showcases his skill in crafting concise and cryptic sentences. Through this literary technique, Hughes emphasizes that beauty lies in the association of human characteristics with nature and the land from which they originate. Hughes’s sense of beauty goes beyond mere gentleness and kindness; he underscores the strength and melodious, musical qualities inherent in both the people and the land. The repetition of similar metaphors and similes serves to accentuate this multifaceted beauty. By concluding the poem with a focus on himself and the song—his own, that of his people, and his homeland—Hughes underscores the absence of discrimination directed towards them. In essence, Hughes uses his poetic prowess to draw attention to the shared humanity of African Americans, highlighting their unique qualities without succumbing to discriminatory stereotypes. The poem’s repetition and concluding emphasis on the individual and the song underscore the enduring beauty that transcends prejudice and discrimination.
“Me and My Song”: Works Cited
Hughes, Langston, et al. The Collected Works of Langston Hughes: The Poems, 1921-1940. Vol. 1. University of Missouri Press, 2001. Print.
- How does Langston Hughes employ metaphors, similes, and personifications in “Me and My Song” to convey a sense of special beauty in the association of human features with nature and land?
- In “Me and My Song,” how does Hughes use the repetition of metaphors and similes to emphasize the multifaceted beauty of African Americans, moving beyond stereotypes and discrimination?
- What role does the concept of color, particularly the black color, play in Hughes’s depiction of beauty in “Me and My Song,” and how does it contribute to the overall sense of a unique and special beauty associated with African Americans and their homeland?
