"The Negro Speaks of Rivers"

"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" By Langston Hughes "The Negro Speaks of Rivers", by Langston Hughes, is a compelling poem that goes deep into Hughes' soul. This poem is full of many themes, such as racial pride and relating to one's ancestors or roots, which in this case is all tied to rivers. But what do these rivers convey about the history of the African People? "The Negro Speaks of River" speaks loudly of the …

…feeling of freedom as well as the new life that the Negro would have from that moment on. This poem also represents the growth of Hughes' soul. As with the rivers, Hughes' soul is growing, deep, and forever. Line four states this by saying, "My soul has grown deep like the rivers." Throughout all of the hardships that African people have endured, one thing remains clear and that is that their souls cannot be destroyed.