Symbolism in ‘The Negro Speaks of Rivers’ by Langston Hughes

Symbolism in ‘THE NEGRO SPEAKS OF RIVERS’ Langston Hughes (1901-1967) is a famous American poet who has explained the situations of marginalized and oppressed society (The Africans) of modern America in his poetry. Many scholars and critics concede him as a “Poet Laureate of American African Experience”. His poetry generally depicts the daily life and struggles of common Black people living in Modern America. Hughes is famous for his poetry which promulgates the Harlem Renaissance Movement (HRM) which demands the rights for Black Americans equal to those granted to White Americans. He has conveyed his message in an implicit way under the guise of symbols for he was not allowed to raise voice just like other Blacks in America. Particularly, his symbolism plays a crucial role in expressing the complexities of African American life, culture and their identity. It is a matter of common observation that his poetry and prose both deal with such themes as racial inequality, hope, injustic