Prejudice in Langston Hughes Novel, Not Without Laughter

Throughout Langston Hughes novel, Not Without Laughter, the author introduces multiple characters that reveal their notions of prejudice. The novel explores that prejudice in one form or another is in every aspect of ones life. Prejudice can be defined as an opinion for or against a persons look, race, class, or religion, which is usually formed by a hasty generalization. Most of the main characters, Aunt Hager, Sister Johnson, Jimboy, Harriet, and Tempy contain different accounts of prejudice in the world, which stimulate many of Sandys thoughts of life as he comes of age. Aunt Hager, Annjee, Harriet, and Sandy, are a multi-generation poor African American family that live in a small home together but are eventually divided by†¦show more content†¦Jimboy has the tendency to run across the country claiming to be looking for work while leaving her daughter and grandson to fend for themselves. Jimboys work ethics are not the only sore subject for Aunt Hager: she also objects t o his looks. She questions his ethnicity when she states, I aint never seen a yaller dude yet that meant a dark woman no good - an Annjee is dark(p.32). She also comments derisively that nobody even knows anything about his parents. She also claims that while he strums the blues on his guitar, he is the devils musicianer (p. 46). However if he plays her some gospel music, shell forget about their disagreements for a moment. Not only does Aunt Hager show prejudice towards Jimboy but also to anyone that lives or frequents the area that is called the Bottoms. The Bottoms are known to be where whites and blacks mingle to drink and an area that is known for prostitution. Later in the story the Bottoms is where her youngest daughter Harriet stays for a short time, since she wants to work and have a good time. Aunt Hager explains having a good time ... aint right, an it aint Christian.... (p. 55). Although Aunt Hager believes some white people are good, Sister Johnson, a neighbor, cant sta nd any white people and tells her story of being forcibly removed from what the whites called Crowville in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She tells the story of how African Americans lived in the town and how they were makingShow MoreRelatedLangston Hughes : The American Dream And Southern Migration With The Reality Of Prejudice2931 Words   |  12 Pages11/4/14 Langston Hughes Themes, Styles, and Techniques Langston Hughes has solidified his place as one of the greatest writers in American Literature to this day. This achievement is due to his thought provoking use of certain styles and techniques to portray his main themes and ideas. Many of Langston Hughes’ themes originated from his personal feelings and experiences. Hughes thus centers his themes around the ups and downs of African Americans living in America during his time. 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