Research Scholar

Department of English

Dr. Ajay Kumar Sharma

Lecturer

Department of English

Maharaj Singh (PG) College, Saharanpur (U.P.)

SEARCH FOR IDENTITY IN THE POETRY OF LANGSTON HUGHES

In exploring the problem of identity in Black literature we find no simple or definite explanation. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted that it is rooted in the reality of the discriminatory social system in America with its historic origins in the institution of slavery. One can discern that this slavery system imposes a double burden on the Negro through severe social and economic inequalities and through the heavy psychological consequences suffered by the Negro who is forced to play an inferior role, 1 the latter relates to the low self-estimate, feeling of helplessness and basic identity conflict. Thus, in some form or the other, every Negro American is confronted with the question of `where he is' in...