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“Still Here”- Langston Hughes



I have been scared and battered.

My hopes the wind done scattered.                                    

Snow has friz me,

Sun has baked me,

Looks like between 'em they done

Tried to make me

Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'—

But I don't care!

I'm still here!

Essay

Describe how Hughes in “Still Here” reflects on the broader themes of survival, identity, resistance and resilience

Langston Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance which was an intellectual and cultural revival of African-American literature, art & music. He confronted and protested racial stereotypes. His thoughts united people of African descent and Africa across the globe to encourage pride in their diverse black folk culture and black aesthetic.  Hughes’ poem “Still Here” is a powerful and emotional expression of the struggle and resilience of African Americans in the face of oppression and discrimination. 

The poem is a reflection of the experiences of black people during the early 20th century when segregation and racism were rampant in the United States. It conveys a sense of weariness and exhaustion. Despite the difficulties, the narrator remains defiant and determined to continue living. The speaker says he has endured a lot of adversity —"scared and battered"—and his hopes have been scattered by the wind. Like "snow" that freezes and "sun" that burns, his life has been filled with difficulties and challenges. The repetition of the hardships of life emphasizes the theme of resilience and determination and shows that the narrator has not been defeated by the struggles. The use of weather imagery reflects the sense of difficulty that the narrator has faced. The poet speaks of his experiences as a witness to both peaceful protests and brutal arrests, highlighting the struggle for justice and equality faced by black people. 

             Despite these obstacles—efforts to make the speaker lose joy, love, and the will to live—the speaker refuses to give up. The poem ends with the bold and confident statement, “I’m still here!” proclaiming his strength and persistence. The poem is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Paragraph

How does the title "Still Here" emphasize the poet’s determination?

    Langston Hughes, a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, used his work to challenge racial stereotypes and celebrate African-American culture. His poem “Still Here” expresses the struggles and resilience of African Americans during the early 20th century when racism and segregation were widespread.

    The poem reflects the hardships faced by black people, with the speaker describing how life has “scared and battered” him. He compares his struggles to harsh weather, like "snow" that freezes and "sun" that burns, symbolizing the many difficulties he has endured. Despite these challenges, the speaker remains strong and determined, refusing to let life defeat him.

    The poem ends with the powerful statement, “I’m still here!” showing the speaker’s courage and unbreakable spirit. It is a message of hope and strength, celebrating the resilience of those who face adversity.

Poem Comprehension

Tried to make me

Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'—

But I don't care!

I'm still here!

 

1.Does the poet “Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'”? why?

No, the poet does not stop laughing, loving, or living because he remains resilient and refuses to let hardships defeat him.

2. Which force tried to make the poet stop laughing, loving and living?

Life's challenges and struggles, tried to make the poet stop laughing, loving, and living.

3. What does the poet’s declaration "But I don’t care!" suggest about his character?

The poet's declaration "But I don’t care!" suggests his defiance, strength, and determination to overcome obstacles.

4. What is the significance of the line, "I'm still here"?

The line "I'm still here" signifies the poet’s survival, resilience, and unwavering spirit despite all challenges.

 

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