Like any “renaissance,” the Harlem Renaissance involved a negotiation between the past and the present. In the case of African American artists and intellectuals, this negotiation was complicated by the limitations placed upon them in American society during the early 20th century. Despite these limitations, we see concerns in writers such as Hughes and Larsen that correspond to the issues raised by Cather, Pound, Frost, etc. What are some connections you see among the various kinds of modernism represented by these writers?
March 27, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Willa Cather’s portrait of Antonia and the ladies like her represent America. While they were able to make a living prospecting, sewing, or raising a family, they were very successful. These women knew that America meant hard work. While America was considered the land of the free, it did not mean economically. While children, these immigrants were seen as backwards folk. However, while they assimilated to American culture, they were still proud of who they were, and eventually became very successful. The same is true of the African American in the 20’s. Most of them lived in the South and were farmers. With the great migration and WWI, black folk seemed to have an artistic and spiritual awakening. They did not need to stay in the segregated South where they were seen as inferior. Embracing hard work and a strong sense of who they were, they made their lives better. They finally realized you didn’t have too be white to be successful. They realized that America had millions of people just like themselves
March 27, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Within the modernist writers of the Harlem Renaissance, I have noticed that all seem to convey the struggle African Americans endured during the post-Civil War era. As can be foreseen, although slavery itself was abolished, the racial unrest that accompanied it was not resolved. Society continued to struggle after the Civil War and I believe that these writers conveyed the image of this so efficiently, that it is still apparent seventy-or so years after the fact. In the writings of Larsen’s “The Quicksand,” I believe that Helga is continually struggling in every scenario that she escapes to. Even though she believes she will be happy in her new home, she soon finds that the social issues follow her no matter where she goes. Thus, she flees to Denmark, where at this point, she seemingly has escaped the racial issues that plagued America.
I believe that although these writers highlighted the shortcomings of society in the American 1920s, I believe that they also realized that the issue would never be completely resolved, in which case they were hauntingly correct.
March 27, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Last year when I was Intro to Lit our class read some of DuBois’ and Hughes’ poetry. I found it interesting to learn that DuBois looked down upon and put down the writings of Hughes. I didn’t understand it then and I don’t understand it now. I know that DuBois wanted to see the black people elevate themselves and strive to become more than what they had been. I can apprecitate that and applaud that, but I do not understand how he and his compatriates would not want to acknowlegdge who most of the black population were, that segment was the largest part of the black population. They were an amazing group of people. I enjoy Hughes’ poetry a lot because it tells the story of their lives and where they were at in this time and place. It is my opinion that only by facing, and sometimes embracing and celebrating, our heritage and where we came from that we can move forward. Maybe I have the perspective of being far enough removed (and white) to see that the people needed to elevate themselves but also to celebrate who they were.
March 28, 2008 at 2:14 pm
In their works, Langston Hughes and Nella Larsen essentially dealt with the same theme- who am I/what am I (black or white)? Hughes expressed his theme by means of poetry and Larsen did the like via writing Quicksand.
In Hughes’ poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” Hughes talks about his personal and racial memory intertwined. Even though he was not a victim of slavery personally, he knows that the fact that it occurred is still there and in his blood since it happened to his ancestors. In his other poem, “I, Too,” Hughes essentially represents the identity of all African Americans and essentially pushes for equality. Personally, I found his poem, “Mulatto,” to be most intriguing- mainly since he makes a profound statement, like in “I, Too,” who and what an “American” actually is. I never realized that “mulatto” shares the root of the work “mule.” This implies that those who are half black and half white are being labeled as not quite human- only partially human. To me, this is really shocking and absurd.
In contrast, I liked how Nella Larsen used Hughes’ poem, “Cross” in the beginning of her novel, Quicksand. This particular poem deals with the central problem of essence (i.e. Who am I, white or black? and How am I perceived by others?) In fact, this poem expresses the central theme of Quicksand, which is what makes it fit so well where Larsen put it- right before the story begins.
March 28, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I can see how DuBois might somewhat reject his identity because he wanted to succeed in a time of extreme racism. If one could pass as white to avoid hatred and segregation I can’t entirely blame him for doing so, even if he isn’t being true to himself. However, Langston Hughes, embraced his identity and played an intricate role in the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes resonates for me personally when he says “I’ve known rivers, dusky, ancient rivers”. It paints a portrait of African American lifestyle that I don’t see within DuBois. Hughes was a central figure and played a key part on the establishment of the Renaissance as well as DuBois.
March 28, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Both Cather and Larsen dealt with women in a society where they did not fit in. Both characters in the book did well in life but struggled to find the place they belogned. Not being entirely “American” made it difficult for them to live in America. Like the renaissance both characters were trying to find their place and trying to make a life for themselves based on who they were and where they came from. Although Larsen was an African American and Cather wrote about immigrants both dealt with the same issues of assimilation. I find the idea of assimilation to be an interesting one. I also find it intriguing that many authors regardless of race wrote about assimiliaton in america. Probably because it was such a major issue during the 20th century along with the Harlem Renaissance
March 28, 2008 at 9:47 pm
A similarity that I found as being one of the most significant, was the idea of unity and being together as one people in the United States. In Cather’s “My Antonia,” the immigrant families did everything together in work, church, and other endeavors. They found that even though they came from different areas of the world, they could assimilate together into the American culture. In Nella Larsen’s “Quicksand,” Helga very much wanted to be with her own people, just like the immigrated families. She tried to be away from the people that look and act like her, but ultimately had to come back to them to be an equalized individual. I think that this is similar to a family-like organization. It’s just the feeling of “home” that makes you feel comfortable.
March 29, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Larson’s “Quicksand” really seem to me to be a mixture of Cather’s “My Antonia” and the African American focused poetry of Hughes and DuBois. Like Brittany and Jill were stating above, the ideas found in Cather’s “My Antonia” really seem to come through this piece as well; especially the focus on an assimilation-type idea. Helga seems to be constantly struggling to fit it everywhere she goes. She doesn’t feel like the school is the right place for her, she tries New York and still doesn’t seem to fit in. She even resorts to going overseas and ends up coming back. Even after her return to the United States is still struggling to find her place. You could almost study Larson’s “Quicksand” as an expansion on Hughes’ “Mulatto” as well. On the other hand, you can also find hints of DuBois within “Quicksand.” There are instances where Helga simply doesn’t want to be associated with her African American counterparts.
March 29, 2008 at 3:23 pm
What I have admired most about the assimilation novels of Cather and Larsen is the strength of the female protagonists. In both cases, they are headstrong women who are fighting to find their place in society. Antonia and Helga are depicted as intelligent women yearning for more knowledge and the chance to flourish in a conducive environment. On a side note, I find it interesting that both are illustrated as being exotically beautiful and fascinating. As the exotic ‘other,’ she works her way into the lifestyle in which she feels most comfortable. Yet, the endings for both seem bittersweet (an understatement for Helga). Instead of women with strength, they seem to be depicted as women in submission to the family life and mother role. While Antonia seems content with her new life, Helga most certainly is not. In the end, both are alienated again– Antonia on the farm and Helga in the bed for childbirth. One wonders whether an assimilation novel of a young man would end with such a disconcerting outlook as the forever alienation of the once strong character.
March 29, 2008 at 7:04 pm
There appears to be a common bond among these writers in their belief that the current way of life was flawed. They(and we) lived in a society of skewed values, where minor differences caused grave reactions, while those things that truly mattered would go unnoticed. Their works also speak of individuality, finding strength in ones self, as well as occasionally pointing out the flawed beliefs of the past(and present). Whether they sublety toy with emotions, or outright say what they are talking about, they reveal insight to the side of the world that’s unbound by our flawed and insubstantial beliefs and values.
March 30, 2008 at 2:03 pm
In my opinion, there is a definite connection between Cather and Larsen. They both deal with the American identity: what does it mean to be an American? Larsen’s work displays a split identity: Helga is both white and black, but also black and American. Helga is searching for some validation, or some area of the world where she belongs, but does not truly fit into either the mold of black or white society. Similarly, Cather’s heroine struggles to become an American, yet never fits the mold of what society considers a “true” American. Another obvious connection between two works is Hughes poetry and Larsen’s “Quicksand.” Both discuss a split identity, which neither the speaker of Hughes’ poetry nor the character of Helga in “Quicksand” can resolve.
March 31, 2008 at 5:44 am
I think that Langston Hughes had it right when he proposed the idea of changing the image of the black man of the past before progressing further. it is too often that people are held down by skeletons of their pasts. It takes courage to address conflicts that have come and passed. however in this case it was neccesary.
March 31, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I think that the issues addressed during the renaissance period are fundamentally similar to the concerns of Cather, Pound, and Frost, but different because they have an authenticity that can’t be replicated. This movement allowed people like Hughes and Larsen to have a voice which wasn’t there decades before, which could possibly explain the themes that these authors choose to address.
April 1, 2008 at 9:52 am
Langston Hughes is my favorite poet of the ones covered thus far. It is interesting today how many people, especially those in my generation, complain about America and listen to lame Green Day tracks about what an idiot everyone in this country is (except for punk bands and teenagers who can see through it all). Ironically, many of the people who share this attitude have had everything in life handed to them, in stark contrast to the experience Hughes. That said, I still believe that no nation is healthier than one that is constructively critical of itself. Hughes finds pride in being an American despite the way blacks were treated in the early twentieth century. He sends a bold message reminding his readers that our country is something that doesn’t just belong to the advantaged white.
April 1, 2008 at 2:05 pm
The comparisons between Cather and Larsen are obvious. Anotonia, much like Helga, faces a society where she is stigmatized and treated with a certain degree of hostility/disrespect. Antonia’s stigmatization is a result of her being a “country” girl and an immigrant. Helga’s stigmatization comes from her being a beautiful black woman, who is basically objectified by society for her body. There are some very key differences though. Helga does not really ever find the kind of happiness or exceptance that Antonia does. Antonia has a wonderful, loving family with a good husband, and Helga never really escapes being objectified.
April 1, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I think the similarities between Antonia and Helga are clear in these works. They both are trying to find their place in society, and both are “separate” so to speak in their societies. They are both looked at as unique because of their appearance and behavior.
I also noticed similarities between Helga and Edna from The Awakening, not really because of race issues, but because they were both struggling to do what they wanted and not what society expected. Helga wasn’t “supposed” to wear bright clothing, she wasn’t “supposed” to leave Naxos, etc. I think Larsen did a good job of portraying what it must have been like for a woman confused about her racial identity.
April 1, 2008 at 9:21 pm
To me it seems that the personalities of Edna in The Awakening and Helga in Quicksand are one in the same. Both characters are easliy bored with there lives and no matter what situation they are put in (good or bad) neither of them are ever fully happy. The big difference between the two is that Edna ends up killing herself and Helga ends up having another kid almost immediately after she comes off her bed rest. Both characters characters are looked highly upon by the people in their societies, but neither seem to appreciate it. I highly doubt that they would have been happy if the public didn’t recognize them either. I think it’s very interesting that although both stories included two completely different story lines and two extremely different cultures that the main characters were so much alike. Surprisingly, these have been my two of my favorite things we’ve read so far, besides My Antonia.
April 2, 2008 at 11:08 am
I have read the comparisons between Antonia and Helga and I can see the similarities, but I see one large difference. Antonia found her place. She knew who she was, where she came from, and she was content and happy with who she was. Helga on the hand, never did find that place of contentment. She searched across the globe and in each place she went she thought she would find contentment. Of course, she never finds contentment anywhere. Antonia came as an outsider and finds her place. Helga starts as a native and never finds hers.
April 3, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I think that there are a lot of similarities between Cather and Larsen because they both deal with the struggles of ethnicity. Discrimination and alienation are no doubt main themes in both stories and truly show struggles of the time. Larsen’s story is more hands on since its from the point of view of a black person and it correctly portrays the harshness of their lives in that time. My Antonia deals with the point of view from white people onto Antonia so its not as in depth. Personally I liked Quicksand a lot more because its far more effective to hear a story from the victim’s point of view than from a person who’s never had to deal with it. No matter how much a white person may think they understand the humiliation and hardship of being black, they have never truly experienced it so they have no room to speak.
April 3, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I really like Langston Hughes the more I read his poetry because he effectively sets the mood for the situations of that time. The first time I read any Hughes poetry was for my high school ap lit class and it quickly drew me in. His poetry is so modernistic because he tells it like it is and isn’t afraid to let people know how truly bad things are. The way his poems are written have a jazzy-blues sort of feeling and sometimes I imagine how his poems would be sung instead of read. Hughes captures so muh emotion in the simplest of images such as his poem “The Weary Blues” and the man playing the piano. Just by the way he describes it, the feeling of defeat and harship is washed over you and you feel as if you are there.
April 4, 2008 at 1:12 am
One thing I thought was interesting was the way the African Americans identified themselves, like in Langston Hughes’ poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” As a white woman mainly of Swedish, Norweigan and English descent, I usually only identify myself as an American woman. I rarely think of my other heritages, and in fact I generally forget about the cultures behind them. But I feel like African Americans often have a deeper understanding of their heritages and cultures, perhaps because of all the struggles they have faced. As Hughes says:
I’ve known rivers:
I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the
flow of human blood in human veins.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln
went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy
bosom turn all golden in the sunset.
It is not just about the here and now, but the struggles they have faced in the past and the history behind where they are now. I feel like this is a lesson that should be remembered by every ethnicity and culture… remembering who you are and how you came to be at the place you are at now. Langston Hughes perhaps was ahead of his time in showing readers that being able to connect with their heritage is one of the most valuable things they can learn in life.
April 8, 2008 at 7:17 pm
The Harlem renisance was formost for black male writers. Other prominent black female authors were highly criticized . An example of this is Nora Hurston. She was a prominant female black writer who’s specific genre was local color.Hurston work was unjustly criticized by Hughes as being detrimental to African american culture and written for white people. Becuase of this Hurston called the black men incvolved in the Harlem renisannce the niggerati.
April 8, 2008 at 10:11 pm
For a long time black Americans were condemned to a kind of permanent immigrant status. Not just immigrant but unwanted immigrant. Which is ironic since they were forced to come here. Hughes and Larsen both write about the second class citizenship that came along with that status. Cather wrote about the immigrant group most people think of when they say immigrant. Their lives were hard but over all they were more accepted, and more easily integrated into society, than African Americans were. Modernists were concerned with meaning and the kind of sadness that life can become filled with. All three of these writers saw those things in life and put them on paper.
April 9, 2008 at 8:36 am
There is a very striking resemblance between the females characters in Larsen’s and Cather’s stories. Larsen’s character, Helga, is a young mulatto woman who is often times seen as a sexual object in the eyes of society, which was common of mulatto women. In Cather’s novel, the character Antonia has a similar plight in that she struggles to escape the common image of women in her time and wants be seen as a free-thinking woman. Both Helga and Antonia have a similar struggle although each is living in a different time than the other.
I also saw similarities in Edna from The Awakening and Helga as well. Much like Helga, Edna is seen as an object in her society. Edna struggles day to day trying to find her own identity and escape the image that society has bestowed upon her. Both Edna and Helga are shackled within the confines that community norms have formed around white women and mulatto women.
April 16, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I believe that Cather’s character of Antonia has several similarities to the character of Helga in ‘Quicksand’. Both women are forced to live in what could still be considered hegemonic societies. Antonia and Helga are both subjected to attitudes and social mores regarding the type of work that they are best suited for as well as the place of women in society. While Antonia eventually leads an uncharacterstic (for that era) life that is very labor intesive. Helga, however, is drawn to the lifestyle of the social elite. Both women struggle to gain identify in America while taking very different paths. I found it interesting that Antonia lived a harsh life upon arriving in America, while Helga was treated very well in Europe. In the end, however, Helga’s struggle for identity took her into the South into a life that she resented. I feel that both women struggled with “fitting in” so to speak and neither woman truly found herself.
April 16, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I also think that the writings about new immigrants and african americans all have the same kind of tone and deal with the same issues. As in Antonia, we are shown a family who is tricked and cheated out of a lot of their money when they come to america. As they struggle they are heart broken because they expected the complete opposite when they came to America. It is the older generation that struggles the most, the mother is heart sick most of the time and the father kills himself. Even their friends, who are also immigrants become sick and die or end up leaving America. The younger generation is able to work hard in america and bring to themselves a different fate, even a prosperous one. As in the wrtings in the Harlem Renissaince it shows hardship, but then the ability to work hard and make a prosperous life for themselves such as in hughes “I, too”.
May 1, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I think Cather, Hughes, Larson and Pound all address the same issue in a different way; Human Rights. Hughes was saying that we needed to change the image of the black man and Cather was trying to change the image of the woman. Both set in different times, but fighting the same issue. Women and Blacks alike did not have many rights when these were written and it was very bold of these authors to confront the issue.
May 1, 2008 at 11:15 pm
The Harlem Renaissance brought about a great deal of issues regarding identity for African Americans. African American writers, as well as women writers faced a number of issues concerning their identities. They wanted to be true to themselves, while at the same time have their works read. Some people attempted to hide their identity, like Cather and Du Bois. I understand there was a great deal of resentment for people in each ‘category,’ and do not blame them for this decision. However, people like Hughes and others who embraced their identities despite all the negative aspects surrounding doing so, are to be admired.
May 2, 2008 at 12:26 am
Modernist writers from the Harlem Renaissance effectively portrayed the struggles that African Americans were faced with. These writers are not afraid of writing about issues that they were surrounded with. I respect these writers for what they wrote because of the fact that for hundreds of years, African Americans were treated unfairly.
I think that writers such as Larsen and Hughes touch on the idea of assimilation just as Cather did. Assimilation has played a large role in millions of peoples of lives, even though I do not believe completely in assimilation. These writers were not afraid of bring up this issue in their writing, and I feel that it was effective in the fact that people were aware of the consequences of it. Writing can be a great way to establish a person’s beliefs, and these writers did that by writing stories and novels that had a powerful message within them.
May 2, 2008 at 1:35 pm
With any Renaissance there need to be people out there writing about peoples experiences to get the movement going. Blacks and women for the longest time were viewed as either property or second rate to white males. I find it funny that in our history black men could vote before white women. These authors brought to light the injustices people wanted to ignore and just turn their heads from. It is hard not to look at issues when people are writting books, poems, and articles about these topics and not just from a white male but from the perspectives of those groups themselves.
May 3, 2008 at 3:45 am
I think that the issues addressed by Hughes and Larsen are very similar to the issues brought up by Pound, Cather, and Frost. Yet the modernism expressed by The Harlem Renaissance is very unique and can never be replicated. These two writes and among many others spoke for a generation of people and their ancestors that had no voice or opinion about how the world worked and its progression. I feel that the authors addressed the decades without a voice but in return, they also learned to accept the beautiful qualities in their history and the ancestors history.
May 3, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Within the Harlem Rennasciance, one notices the similarities between some of the works we have read. While Cather and other authors wrote about the struggles of being an immigrant and a woman, Hughes and Larsen addressed the struggles of being an African American. Upon reflection, one can see that they both suffered immensely to escape the subaltern persona in the early 1900’s.