Black pride as reflected in james langston hughes’s poems ( a semiotics approach )

Oleh :
Esti Retnoningsih - C0302028 - Fak. Sastra dan Seni Rupa

ABSTRACT 2009. This research explores black pride of Langston Hughes that is reflected in his eight poems, they are; Dream Variation, Harlem, Me and Mule, Trumpet Player, Negro Speaks of Rivers, Mother to Son, Theme for English B, and Walker with the Dawn. This research applies descriptive method. These poems are the source of data in this thesis. The main data consist of the stanzas, quotes and utterances supporting the research in this thesis. To reach the purposes above, the researcher applies Semiotic theory. This thesis is applying Semiotic poetry concerning the analysis of sign within three intrinsic elements of poetry: Repetition, figurative language, diction. In analysing, the researcher divided the eight poems into three themes: dream, black race, and self-confidence. The researcher concludes that in eight poems above, Langston Hughes delivers his pride through the description of dream, black race, and self-confidence. The dream is a reflection of blacks’ dream to reach their human rights. Hughes wrote about black race by describing blacks’ life conditions and Hughes criticism on racial issues. Self-confidence is the reflection of Hughes confidence on the blacks’ journey of life and beautiful life in the next with the acknowledgement of Blacks as a part of the whole race in the world. All of them are Hughes’ expression of his point of view as a part of blacks toward the black’s life. He delivers his point of view in a form of poetry, because poem is one of many ways to express the reality of life.