Salvation by Langston Hughes

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After reading the short story “Salvation” by Langston Hughes and an excerpt from Black Boy by Richard Wright, it is apparent to the reader that both stories reflect how young African American males perceive church. Both experiences in church talk about how the idea of God/ faith is imposed upon young Hughes and Wright by loved ones as well as society. However, each character undergoes the internal conflict of whether or not to conform. The validity of the central idea, individual versus society, is revealed through both character’s choices to either be the pariah within their community or fall under peer pressure in order to attain false acceptance. In the short story “Salvation”, young Langston is introduced to the idea of God’s greatness as a result of his Auntie Reed’s discussion. She tells him that when one sees a light and one feels something happening from within, which is an indication that Jesus has made his presence in one’s life, uniting the two for eternity. Due to the enthusiasm Auntie Reed’s dialog presents with multiple exclamation marks, this indicates to the reader that Langston is somewhat engrossed in the conjoining in which has one feeling so wonderful. Throughout the church service, he watches the other young sinners being saved by Jesus but patiently awaits his turn for the almighty savior to make an appearance before him. Hughes continues to wait until he is the last young lamb waiting to be saved from the “lonely cries and dire pictures of hell.” Finally, Langston’s impatience gets the best of him and he begins to feel embarrassed since congregation is waiting on him, as well as frustrated and irritated due to the fact Jesus has still not come to see him. In the end, poor Langston ends up lying about being... ... middle of paper ... ...If laying down my life could stop the suffering in the world, I’d do it. But I don’t believe anything can stop it.” This statement proves Richard’s pessimistic attitude because he isn’t willing to believe praying or taking God into consideration can help a situation. Even when he is asked by his grandmother to pray, he cannot take that seriously causing him to laugh. In conclusion, the accuracy of individual versus society is high because both “Salvation” and Black Boy prove that the young African American male is influenced most by society to conform and be accepted for others. Langston had conformed for his congregation whereas Richard conformed for his grandmother. Neither one wanted to but felt the sense of obligation in order to make others happy rather than themselves. Works Cited an excerpt from Black Boy By Richard Wright "Salvation" by Langston Hughes

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