Poetry

From Chapter 26 “Theme for English B” by Langston Hughes page 726. Write 2 page from your personal viewpoint., a literary response about how the author uses the setting to vividly portray the environment to enhance your immersion in the story. Did the setting contribute to a deeper emotional connection with the characters or better understanding of the themes? Need a title page, introduction, a thesis at the end of introduction clearly stating how setting enhance your immersion, at least 2 supporting section to defend thesis,text support with properly cited in text citations, and concluding paragraph, reference page with the short story citation.

Answer:

Title Page: [Your Name] Literary Response: The Impact of Setting in “Theme for English B” by Langston Hughes Date: [Insert Date]

Introduction: In Langston Hughes’s “Theme for English B,” the setting plays a crucial role in enhancing the reader’s immersion into the story. Through vivid descriptions of Harlem in the mid-20th century, Hughes creates a backdrop that not only serves as the physical environment but also reflects the social and cultural context of the time. This essay will explore how Hughes utilizes the setting to deepen the reader’s emotional connection with the characters and foster a better understanding of the themes present in the story.

Thesis: In “Theme for English B,” Langston Hughes employs the setting of Harlem to vividly portray the environment, which enhances the reader’s immersion in the story, deepens emotional connections with the characters, and contributes to a better understanding of the themes of identity and race.

Supporting Section 1: Immersion through Setting Description Hughes’s detailed descriptions of Harlem immerse the reader in the physical and cultural landscape of the setting. For instance, he describes “the college on Lenox Avenue” and “going downtown on the subway to do a bit of shopping,” providing tangible details that allow readers to visualize the streets and landmarks of Harlem. These vivid descriptions create a sense of place that makes the story more relatable and engaging for the reader.

Text Support: Hughes writes, “I am twenty-two, colored, born in Winston-Salem. / I went to school there, then Durham, then here / to this college on the hill above Harlem. / I am the only colored student in my class.” (Hughes, 726).

Supporting Section 2: Emotional Connection and Theme Understanding The setting of Harlem serves as a backdrop for the protagonist’s exploration of identity and race. As the narrator navigates his surroundings, he grapples with questions of self-definition and belonging, which are deeply intertwined with the social and cultural dynamics of Harlem. By placing the characters within this specific setting, Hughes allows readers to empathize with their experiences and understand the complexities of their identities in the context of their environment.

Text Support: Hughes writes, “I wonder if it’s that simple? / I am the only colored student in my class.” (Hughes, 726).

Conclusion: In “Theme for English B,” Langston Hughes demonstrates the power of setting to enrich the reader’s experience and deepen their understanding of the themes explored in the story. Through vivid descriptions of Harlem, Hughes creates a rich and immersive environment that enhances the reader’s connection with the characters and provides valuable insights into the complexities of identity and race. By effectively utilizing setting as a narrative tool, Hughes invites readers to engage with the story on a deeper level and encourages them to reflect on the universal truths it reveals.

Reference: Hughes, Langston. “Theme for English B.” Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Edited by X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia, 13th ed., Pearson, 2016, p. 726.