Langston Hughes vs. Phillis Wheatley: A Modern Perspective on Freedom and Equality

Introduction

In shaping the narrative of the American nation, the voices of Phillis Wheatley and Langston Hughes have been particularly powerful. Both poets, hailing from distinct historical periods, offer unique perspectives on the American experience through their seminal works, “On Being Brought from Africa to America” and “Let America Be America Again,” respectively. Delving into the exploration of the poems, a question emerges: which poet, Wheatley or Hughes, would be the better roommate in our modern context?

This analysis seeks to dissect the complexities of their verses, examining their attitudes toward freedom, equality, and the American Dream, all within the context of their historical realities. While both poets grapple with the concept of the American identity, it becomes evident that Langston Hughes, with his stark critique of the American Dream and his inclusivity of various marginalized voices, emerges as the preferable roommate. Hughes’ vision of a more inclusive, just, and equitable America resonates with the ethos of contemporary society and with my personal views, making him a fitting companion for navigating the world today.

Portraying the Marginalized

Hughes’ portrayal of America and the American dream is rawer but more inclusive of the many voices within the society, which would make him a more person, a quality I would appreciate in a roommate. Phillis Wheatley, an 18th-century African-American poet, mostly reflects her own life experiences in her work. As an individual who experienced enslavement and conversion to Christianity, Wheatley’s poem reflects her journey from Africa to America and her encounter with a new faith. Her verses convey a profound sense of gratitude for the religious transformation that, in her view, brought enlightenment and the possibility of redemption: “That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew” (Wheatley).

On the other hand, Langston Hughes, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, articulates a vastly different perspective in his piece. Hughes critiques the American Dream, exposing its unfulfilled promises: “O, let America be America again — The land that never has been yet — And yet must be — the land where every man is free” (Hughes). His poem amplifies the voices of the marginalized, reflecting the struggles of the poor, immigrants, and African Americans, making him a more engaging conversationalist for me.

Freedom and Equality

Hughes’ vision of freedom is more reflective of today’s reality of America and the necessity to grant freedom to all disenfranchised groups, while Whitley’s exploration of freedom is framed within the context of religious salvation. Whitley hints at the potential for refinement and inclusion in the divine, challenging the scornful views of those who perceive her race negatively, which, to her, means being free.

Hughes confronts the disparity between the American Dream’s promise of freedom and the harsh reality experienced by marginalized communities. He emphasizes the elusive nature of liberty, highlighting the struggles of the poor, immigrants, and African Americans: “I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil. I am the worker sold to the machine. I am the Negro, servant to you all. I am the people, humble, hungry, mean” (Hughes). His verses expose the inherent inequalities within the American system, which aligns with my passion for addressing disparities.

Alignment with the Values of the Contemporary Society

In the context of today’s world, a roommate with views that align with modern values would be preferable, which makes Hughes a better option. The interconnection between Americanism and faith is gone, making Wheatley’s views less relevant and more outdated.

On the contrary, Hughes’ perception of the American dream and American identity was ahead of the time. Hughes weaves a narrative that encompasses the collective struggles, addressing systemic inequalities embedded in the American Dream: “I am the young man, full of strength and hope, Tangled in that ancient endless chain Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land!” (Hughes). His broader and more inclusive approach to the theme of freedom fosters a sense of empathy and understanding crucial for navigating the complexities of modern life.

In contrast, Wheatley’s focus on personal redemption lacks the broad societal scope that makes Hughes’ perspective resonate more profoundly with the multifaceted nature of today’s shared experiences. As a roommate, Hughes’ nuanced understanding of collective struggles would provide a more inclusive and empathetic perspective, fostering a shared living environment attuned to the diverse challenges of the contemporary world.

Vision for Change

Langston Hughes, through his resounding call for a renewed America, presents a visionary outlook that aligns seamlessly with the desire for positive change in the current living environment. Hughes’ plea for a transformed America, one that lives up to its ideals, resonates with a forward-looking perspective that transcends the confines of time. As a roommate, Hughes brings to the table a commitment to progress and a fervent aspiration for a more just and equitable society: “O, let my land be a land where Liberty Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath, But opportunity is real, and life is free, Equality is in the air we breathe” (Hughes).

His vision for change is not merely an abstract concept within his poetry but a guiding principle that can influence our shared living space. Encountering the challenges of the modern world, having a roommate who shares Hughes’ yearning for a better America offers the prospect of fostering a harmonious living environment where collective aspirations for positive change can thrive. Having a roommate who believes in the power of transformation would mean having constant motivation for positive change, which makes him a preferable choice.

Empowerment through Poetry

Langston Hughes provides more than just a critique of the American Dream; he offers a source of inspiration and resilience. The lines “Yet I’m the one who dreamt our basic dream” encapsulate the idea that, despite the challenges, there is an inherent strength in dreams and a continual pursuit of a better reality (Hughes). Living with a roommate who draws inspiration from such verses fosters a positive and motivating environment. Hughes’ poetry encourages a sense of empowerment, resilience, and the belief that change is possible. Having a roommate who finds strength in Hughes’ verses contributes to a space that is not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally uplifting, creating an atmosphere of mutual support and personal growth.

Conclusion

The comparison of Wheatley’s and Hughes’ poems reveals that Langston Hughes emerges as the preferable roommate in the contemporary context. Hughes’ expansive vision, critique of systemic inequalities, and commitment to a more just and equitable society align with the reality of the world today. His verses resonate with diverse challenges faced by various groups, offering a more inclusive perspective crucial for navigating today’s social landscape. Moreover, Hughes’ call for positive change, his advocacy for the marginalized, and the empowerment found in his poetry contribute to a living environment that fosters understanding and resilience.

Works Cited

Hughes, Langston. “Let America Be America Again.” Poets. Web.

Wheatley, Phillis. “On Being Brought from Africa to America.” Poetry Foundation. Web.

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StudyCorgi. "Langston Hughes vs. Phillis Wheatley: A Modern Perspective on Freedom and Equality." April 26, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/langston-hughes-vs-phillis-wheatley-a-modern-perspective-on-freedom-and-equality/.

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StudyCorgi. 2025. "Langston Hughes vs. Phillis Wheatley: A Modern Perspective on Freedom and Equality." April 26, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/langston-hughes-vs-phillis-wheatley-a-modern-perspective-on-freedom-and-equality/.

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