Langston Hughes America Be America Again

Sample Solution

   

Langston Hughes's poem "America Be America Again" and Charles Chaplin's film The Dictator are two works of satire that are in conversation with each other historically, culturally, politically, biographically, economically, and structurally in their uses of satire.

Historical Context

Both works were created during the rise of fascism in Europe in the early 1940s. Hughes's poem was published in 1935, and Chaplin's film was released in 1940. At the time, fascism was on the rise in countries such as Germany and Italy, and there was a growing fear of fascism in the United States.

Full Answer Section

      Cultural Context Both works satirize the dangers of fascism and the importance of democracy. Hughes's poem is a direct plea to America to uphold its ideals of liberty and justice for all. Chaplin's film is a more comedic satire of fascism, but it also has a serious message about the dangers of authoritarianism. Political Context Both works were critical of the political climate of their time. Hughes's poem was critical of the rise of racism and xenophobia in the United States during the Great Depression. Chaplin's film was a direct satire of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. Biographical Context Both Hughes and Chaplin were immigrants to the United States. Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri, but his parents were from the Caribbean. Chaplin was born in London, England, and immigrated to the United States in 1910. Their shared experience as immigrants gave them a unique perspective on the American dream and the dangers of fascism. Economic Context Both works were created during a time of economic hardship. The Great Depression had devastated the United States economy, and there was a lot of social unrest. Hughes's poem speaks to the economic struggles of ordinary Americans during the Depression. Chaplin's film satirizes the greed and corruption of the wealthy and powerful. Structural Context Both works use satire to expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of fascism. Hughes's poem uses repetition and irony to create a sense of urgency and to emphasize the importance of America's democratic ideals. Chaplin's film uses slapstick comedy and physical humor to satirize Hitler and the Nazi regime. Scholarly Sources

• The Satire of Langston Hughes's "America Be America Again" by James Baldwin
• Charles Chaplin's The Dictator: A Satirical Masterpiece by Ethan Mordden

How the Two Works Are in Conversation with Each Other Hughes's poem and Chaplin's film are in conversation with each other in a number of ways. Both works satirize the dangers of fascism and the importance of democracy. They also both use satire to expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of authoritarian regimes. In addition, both works are critical of the economic and political systems of their time. Hughes's poem speaks to the economic struggles of ordinary Americans during the Great Depression. Chaplin's film satirizes the greed and corruption of the wealthy and powerful. Finally, both works were created by immigrants to the United States. Hughes and Chaplin's shared experience as immigrants gave them a unique perspective on the American dream and the dangers of fascism. Conclusion Langston Hughes's poem "America Be America Again" and Charles Chaplin's film The Dictator are two works of satire that are in conversation with each other historically, culturally, politically, biographically, economically, and structurally in their uses of satire. Both works satirize the dangers of fascism and the importance of democracy. They also both use satire to expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of authoritarian regimes. In addition, both works are critical of the economic and political systems of their time. Hughes's poem speaks to the economic struggles of ordinary Americans during the Great Depression. Chaplin's film satirizes the greed and corruption of the wealthy and powerful. Finally, both works were created by immigrants to the United States. Hughes and Chaplin's shared experience as immigrants gave them a unique perspective on the American dream and the dangers of fascism.