Mulatto

In light of the previously described social context , it is absolutely possible that the outcome of this play could have been different . Given the statistics on lynching of both Blacks and Whites occurring in this region during this time period Robert could have been brutally punished instead of portrayed as being in control of his own final moments . Had Norwood revealed his affection toward his children and or Cora or allowed Blacks to have free reign ' on his plantation , he could have faced a brutal demise as well . By affording the character control

over his own death , Hughes solidified Robert 's sense of will and the hopeless , helpless , nature of the social circumstances of the time

In conclusion , Langston Hughes ' Mulatto provided a critical look at the inequity of society and created an opportunity for the audience to examine the progression or lack of socio-cultural dynamics between Blacks , Whites and those who fall somewhere in between . He addressed the degradation of slavery and its long term effects on self concept and the ability to formulate self identity . He addressed via metaphor the miscegnational relationship that is The United States , in which the Black mother makes all of the sacrifices in hopes of being appreciated and accepted by the White father , who continues to deny her and her offspring unless in alignment with his needs . Hughes final message in this portrayal is one of self- reliance , a message which suggests that the only way to ensure that an outcome is satisfactory is to be in control of your destiny

Works Cited

Sanders , Leslie Catherine and Johnston , Nancy , ed .The Collected Works of Langston Hughes

vol 5 . Missouri : University of Missouri Press , 2000

The Negro Holocaust : Lynching and Race Riots in the United States 1880-1950 ' Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute

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