What is the poem Cross by Langston Hughes?

“Cross,” by the American poet Langston Hughes (1902–1967), is a short poem about the challenges of being a biracial person in a racist society. The poem’s speaker, who was born to a white father and a Black mother, feels deep uncertainty about life due to this biracial heritage.

Who wrote Cross poem?

Langston Hughes
Cross by Langston Hughes | Poetry Foundation.

What is the meaning of the poem elliptical?

Elliptical poetry is poetry that is oblique and without prosaic information or a logical sequence of meaning.

Why is Langston Hughes called Cross?

Introduction and Text of “Cross” The speaker in Langston Hughes’ “Cross” is lamenting having been born of a mixed racial couple, a white father and a black mother. The title implies two meanings: he is the “cross” between two individuals, as are all human beings a cross between their parents.

What does the title cross mean?

The title of the poem ‘cross’ is simply what it is. Using knowledge we know of Langston Hughes, we know he speaks in his poem about slavery and African Americans in general. That is what the poem speaks about, it speaks of the child not knowing his place in the world.

What is the central idea of the poem Cross?

The main theme of the poem is the inner turmoil the speaker feels because of his mixed heritage. He doesn’t know his place and he expresses anger toward his parents but eventually forgives them. It symbolizes the distress that racism causes for a person internally.

Who is the speaker in the poem Cross?

The speaker in Langston Hughes’ “Cross” is lamenting having been born of a mixed racial couple, a white father and a black mother.

What is the theme of this poem?

Theme is the lesson about life or statement about human nature that the poem expresses. To determine theme, start by figuring out the main idea. Then keep looking around the poem for details such as the structure, sounds, word choice, and any poetic devices.

Why did Harryette Mullen write elliptical?

Harryette Mullen purposefully uses diction to convey the theme of people subconsciously associating negativity with placing others in a group that is different from their own. You just studied 4 terms!