Critical Analysis of Langston Hughes' "The Negro Speaks of Rivers"

 

Mississippi River
Image by Yinan Chen from Pixabay

Langston Hughes, a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, infused his writings with the vibrant influence of jazz music and a captivating sense of rhythm, even when employing free verse. His poetry prominently showcases his own black identity, effectively amplifying the voice of oppressed African Americans and frequently recounting the historical experiences of their struggles.

"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" exemplifies Hughes' such distinctive style. Written in free verse, it portrays the recollections of a black man reflecting on his profound connection with the ancient rivers of the world, which served as the cradles of civilization. Hughes intentionally employs the term "negro" in this poem, emphasizing racial identity. Historically, this word was utilized by white European colonizers to reinforce the notion of African races' inferiority based on the color of their skin. Due to these racial connotations, the term has fallen out of contemporary usage.

"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the African American experience and identity through the metaphor of rivers. The poem celebrates the rich history, resilience, and deep-rootedness of black people, drawing parallels between their experiences and the ancient rivers of the world.

Hughes begins by stating, "I've known rivers," implying a personal connection and intimate familiarity with rivers. He emphasizes that these rivers are not ordinary but carry immense historical significance. They are "ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins." This line suggests that rivers have witnessed the entire span of human existence, and their wisdom surpasses the limited perspective of individuals.

Langston Hughes
Portrait by Carl Van Vechten, 1936

The poet's identification with rivers symbolizes a profound connection to ancestral heritage and collective memory. By associating himself with these rivers, he implies that the essence of his being is deeply intertwined with the experiences and struggles of his ancestors. This connection is further emphasized when he states, "My soul has grown deep like the rivers." Here, the soul represents the spiritual and cultural essence of African Americans, which has been shaped and strengthened by their history:

"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."

Hughes then proceeds to mention specific rivers, each carrying its own historical and cultural significance. He bathed in the Euphrates, an ancient river associated with the birth of civilization in Mesopotamia. By doing so, he aligns himself with the origins of human history and implies that African Americans have contributed to the development of civilization.

The reference to the Congo, a river in Central Africa, highlights the poet's connection to his African roots. The river's soothing lullaby symbolizes a sense of belonging and comfort, representing the nurturing qualities of Africa, the motherland.

The Nile, with its association to the pyramids, evokes images of grandeur and human achievement. By claiming to have looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it, the speaker suggests that African Americans have played significant roles in shaping world history and culture.

The mention of the Mississippi River brings the focus to the United States, particularly during the time of Abraham Lincoln. The singing of the Mississippi, combined with the reference to Abe Lincoln going down to New Orleans, represents the struggles and triumphs of African Americans during the era of slavery and the Civil War. The river's "muddy bosom turn[ing] all golden in the sunset" signifies the potential for transformation and hope, even in the face of adversity:

"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."

In the concluding lines, Hughes reiterates the connection between rivers and the soul, emphasizing that the African American experience is rooted in a deep and timeless heritage. The repetition of the line "My soul has grown deep like the rivers" serves as a powerful affirmation of resilience, strength, and cultural richness.

"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" is not just a celebration of African American history but also a testament to the universality of human experience. Like A. K. Ramanujan's "A River", through the metaphor of rivers, Langston Hughes highlights the shared humanity and interconnectedness of people across time and cultures, ultimately advocating for understanding, respect, and equality.

Ardhendu De