Welcome, aspiring literary explorers, to a journey into the heart of a powerful poem by one of America’s most celebrated voices, Langston Hughes. Today, we unravel the profound beauty and poignant message of “Cross,” a short yet deeply resonant work that continues to speak volumes about identity, belonging, and the human experience. Prepare to discover the intricate layers of meaning woven into every line.
Cross
By Langston Hughes
My old man’s a white old man
And my old mother’s black.
If ever I cursed my white old man
I take my curses back.If ever I cursed my black old mother
And wished she were in hell,
I’m sorry for that evil wish
And now I wish her well.My old man died in a fine big house.
My ma died in a shack.
I wonder where I’m gonna die,
Being neither white nor black?
Understanding “Cross”: A First Look
Langston Hughes’ poem “Cross,” first published in 1925 within his collection The Weary Blues, stands as a poignant exploration of identity. Emerging from the vibrant cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, this poem captures the complex experience of a biracial individual navigating a society often rigid in its racial classifications. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its striking honesty and its ability to articulate the profound sense of existing between worlds, a feeling that resonates with many readers even today.
What is “Cross” About?
“Cross” presents the internal struggle of a speaker born to parents of different races: a white father and a black mother. The poem reveals the speaker’s past feelings of anger and resentment towards both parents, feelings which are now regretted. This confession is more than a simple apology; it acknowledges the deep internal conflict and confusion created by a divided heritage in a prejudiced world. The poem culminates in a powerful expression of existential anxiety, as the speaker contemplates their own mortality and place in a world that struggles to define them.
Central Idea and Noteworthy Aspects
The central idea of “Cross” revolves around the profound impact of biracial identity in a racially divided society. It explores themes of alienation, regret, and the search for belonging. The title itself is highly symbolic, alluding to the burden or “cross” of a mixed heritage and the weight of existing at the intersection of two distinct cultures. The poem suggests that societal biases can fracture familial bonds and lead to a lifelong struggle for a sense of place, even hinting that this ambiguous identity might prevent true peace, even in death.
Unpacking the Layers: An In-Depth “Cross” Analysis
Langston Hughes masterfully employs a variety of literary and poetic devices in “Cross” to amplify the poem’s emotional impact and thematic depth. These techniques contribute to the poem’s powerful and enduring quality, inviting readers to delve deeper into its meaning.
Themes Explored in “Cross”
- Identity Crisis: The most prominent theme is the speaker’s struggle with their biracial identity. The lines,
I wonder where I’m gonna die,
Being neither white nor black?encapsulate this profound uncertainty and the feeling of not fully belonging to either racial group.
- Regret and Reconciliation: The speaker expresses deep remorse for past negative feelings towards both parents. Phrases like,
If ever I cursed my white old man
I take my curses back.and
I’m sorry for that evil wish
And now I wish her well.highlight a journey towards understanding and reconciliation with their heritage.
- Prejudice and Societal Division: The stark contrast between the parents’ lives and deaths—
My old man died in a fine big house.
My ma died in a shack.—symbolizes the racial inequality and prejudice prevalent in society, which directly impacts the speaker’s sense of self.
- Mortality and Belonging: The poem concludes with a contemplation of death, linking it directly to the speaker’s unresolved identity. The final rhetorical question underscores the fear of dying without a clear place or belonging, even in the afterlife.
Structure and Form in “Cross”
The poem’s structure contributes significantly to its impact.
- Quatrains: “Cross” is composed of three quatrains, meaning each stanza consists of four lines. This traditional form provides a sense of order and balance, which ironically contrasts with the speaker’s internal turmoil and fragmented identity.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem employs a consistent AABB end rhyme scheme in each stanza. For example, in the first stanza, “man” rhymes with “man” and “black” rhymes with “back.” This regular rhyme scheme creates a musicality and memorability, making the speaker’s poignant message more accessible and impactful.
- Stanza Progression: Each stanza serves as a distinct yet interconnected unit, guiding the reader through the speaker’s evolving thoughts. The first two stanzas address past regrets concerning the parents, while the final stanza shifts to the speaker’s present anxiety about their own future and death.
Sound Devices in “Cross”
Hughes uses sound to enhance the poem’s emotional resonance.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds helps create musicality and connects ideas. Notice the short “e” sound in
If ever I cursed my white old man
and
If ever I cursed my black old mother.
This subtle repetition links the speaker’s similar regrets towards both parents.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds adds texture and emphasis. The recurring “r” sound in
If ever I cursed my black old mother.
creates a slight harshness, subtly mirroring the speaker’s initial negative feelings or the internal friction of their identity.
- End Rhyme: As part of the AABB rhyme scheme, the end rhymes like “black” and “back” in the first stanza, or “hell” and “well” in the second, provide a sense of closure and rhythm, making the poem feel complete and deliberate despite its brevity.
Figurative Language and Imagery in “Cross”
Hughes employs vivid language to paint powerful pictures and convey deeper meanings.
- Imagery: Hughes relies on powerful imagery to evoke vivid sensations and emotions, creating stark contrasts. The lines
My old man died in a fine big house.
My ma died in a shack.present a clear visual dichotomy. This imagery symbolizes the unequal opportunities and vastly different life experiences of the speaker’s parents, directly reflecting societal disparities based on race.
- Metaphor: The entire poem functions as an extended metaphor for the experience of being biracial in a prejudiced society. The “Cross” of the title itself is a powerful metaphor, representing the burden, challenge, and intersection of carrying two distinct identities in a world that often demands strict categorization.
- Symbolism: The poem is rich in symbolic meaning. The “fine big house” and the “shack” are potent symbols of the societal inequalities and the different worlds inhabited by the speaker’s white father and black mother. These symbols underscore the deep-seated racial divisions that shape the speaker’s identity and outlook.
Voice and Tone in “Cross”
The speaker’s voice and the poem’s overall tone are crucial to its impact.
- Diction: Hughes’ choice of words, or diction, is notably simple and direct. Phrases like
My old man’s a white old man
and
My old mother’s black
create a conversational, almost confessional tone. This straightforward language fosters a sense of honesty and vulnerability, drawing the reader intimately into the speaker’s internal struggle without complex vocabulary.
- Enjambment: Hughes skillfully utilizes enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. Observe the opening lines:
My old man’s a white old man
And my old mother’s black.The thought flows seamlessly across the line break, mirroring the complex yet undeniable blending of the speaker’s heritage and the continuous flow of their internal thoughts.
- Rhetorical Question: The poem culminates in a poignant rhetorical question:
I wonder where I’m gonna die,
Being neither white nor black?This is not a question seeking a literal answer, but rather a powerful statement of the speaker’s profound existential anxiety, their longing for a place to truly belong, and the unresolved nature of their identity.
- Tone: The prevailing tone of the poem is one of regret, anxiety, and a deep sense of alienation. While the speaker expresses remorse for past negativity, there is also a lingering sadness and profound uncertainty about their future and ultimate place in the world.
The Enduring Message of “Cross”
Langston Hughes’ “Cross” remains a timeless and powerful poem, offering a profound exploration of identity, belonging, and the impact of societal divisions. Through its simple yet evocative language, its carefully crafted structure, and its poignant themes, the poem invites readers to contemplate the complexities of heritage and the universal human desire for a place to call home. Its message continues to resonate, reminding us of the ongoing journey towards understanding and acceptance, both within ourselves and in the wider world. Share this analysis to help others discover the enduring power of Hughes’ remarkable work!