Question

Which choice reflects a symbol and its meaning in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes?


The symbol is blood, and it means conflict.


The symbol is the pyramids, and it stands for the pharaohs of Egypt.


The symbol is the speaker's soul, and it stands for love.


The symbol is the rivers, and they stand for the deep history and culture of the African people.

Answer 1

The correct option is option d.) The symbol is the rivers, and they stand for the deep history and culture of the African people.

EXPLANATION:  

• In the poem The Negro Speaks of Rivers written by Langston Hughes, the poet talks about the journey of the African people through the use of symbols of various rivers.
• Each and every river mentioned in the poem has some deep connections with the African people. At first the poet mentions the river Euphrates in Syria to symbolize the beginning of the human civilization as Mesopotamia is regarded as the cradle of human Civilization.
• Then, he mentions the river Nile and the pyramids build on its banks. Here the river is used as a symbol of slavery as pyramids were build by the slaves, and also the power of the river to flow along the desert and to make that also fertile.
• Then he talks about Congo river, which is known for its forceful flow of water, but the poet calls this sounds as a lullaby by a mother. And lastly, he mentions the river Mississippi of United States, because along the banks of the river Mississippi massive agricultural farms were cultivated by the slaves which were generally of African descent.
• So, all the rivers in the poem states about the journey of African Americans and how their spirit has helped them to overcome every situation and they sustained themselves fiercely every-time.