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The Big Sea: An Autobiography of an American Century

Gage Hayes

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Langston Hughes's The Big Sea is an autobiography of an American century. It is a sweeping and intimate account of Hughes's life and times, from his childhood in Joplin, Missouri, to his early adulthood in New York City. Hughes writes with candor and humor about his experiences as a black man in America, and he offers a unique perspective on the social and political changes that shaped the 20th century.

The Big Sea: An Autobiography (American Century)

by Langston Hughes

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1772 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	363 pages

Childhood and Early Life

Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902. His father was a lawyer and his mother was a schoolteacher. Hughes's parents divorced when he was young, and he spent much of his childhood living with his grandmother in Lawrence, Kansas. Hughes was a gifted student, and he began writing poetry and stories at a young age. He attended Columbia University in New York City, but he dropped out after a year to pursue his writing career.

Life in New York City

Hughes moved to New York City in the early 1920s. He quickly became involved in the Harlem Renaissance, a flowering of African American art and culture. Hughes published his first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, in 1926. He also wrote plays, short stories, and novels. Hughes's work often explored the experiences of black people in America, and he became known for his use of jazz and blues rhythms in his poetry.

Travels and Later Life

Hughes traveled extensively throughout his life. He visited Europe, Africa, and Asia. He also spent time in the American South, where he witnessed the Jim Crow system firsthand. Hughes's travels gave him a broad perspective on the world, and he used his experiences to inform his writing.

Hughes continued to write and publish throughout his life. He died in 1967, at the age of 65. Hughes is considered one of the most important American poets of the 20th century. His work has been translated into more than 20 languages, and it continues to be read and studied by people all over the world.

The Big Sea: A Classic of American Literature

The Big Sea is a classic of American literature. It is a powerful and moving account of Hughes's life and times. Hughes writes with candor and humor about his experiences as a black man in America, and he offers a unique perspective on the social and political changes that shaped the 20th century. The Big Sea is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, literature, or the African American experience.