One of the themes in the works of Langston Hughes is inclusiveness. Inclusiveness is defined as including all parts of society and treating individuals fairly. Hughes started writing during the Harlem Renaissance, which was a new African American movement during the 1920’s and 1930’s. Hughes focused on modern, urban African American lifestyles and ultimately wanted fairness. During the Harlem Renaissance, most writers got inspiration from music and theatre. Some events that happened during this time would include African Americans being honored for their literary works which increasingly made this phase of literature. In result we have Hughes work. Inclusiveness is one of the themes throughout Hughes work, but specifically “I, too”, “Democracy”, and “Theme for English B” stand out strongly for describing how fairness and being included was a huge priority for African American’s during this time. In the poem, I, Too, Hughes portrays the idea of every race being equal. From the poem, Hughes says, “…they send me to eat in the kitchen when company comes…” (3-4), meaning that the African Americans were excluded from the guests of the house because they were not equal. Hughes portrays power and …show more content…
Democracy means government by the people and this fits this poem well. Hughes says, “Democracy will not come today this year nor ever…” (1-3) and goes on to say “I have as much right now as the other fellow has to stand on my two feet and own the land.”(5-9) Hughes wants freedom. He also wants to own land just as much as the other men do. I believe that the speaker wants freedom real soon and does not believe in “letting things take their course” (11) because Hughes says, “I do not need my freedom when I’m dead.” He wants freedom because he also lives there and deserves the right to own land just as much as anyone. Hughes portrays the desire to feel included and desires freedom just as much as the