''The Ways of White Folks'' is a collection of fourteen short stories by Langston Hughes, published in 1934. Hughes wrote the book during a year he spent living in

Carmel-by-the-Sea Carmel-by-the-Sea (), often simply called Carmel, is a city in Monterey County, California, United States, founded in 1902 and incorporated on October 31, 1916. Situated on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel is known for its natural scenery and r ...

, California. The collection addresses multiple dimensions of racial issues, focusing specifically on the unbalanced yet interdependent power dynamics between Black and White people. According to Hughes, the short stories are inspired either by his own lived experiences or those of others he encountered.

Background

He finished the book in the year he spent in

Carmel, California Carmel-by-the-Sea (), often simply called Carmel, is a city in Monterey County, California, United States, founded in 1902 and incorporated on October 31, 1916. Situated on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel is known for its natural scenery and ric ...

, immediately upon return from an extended trip to

Russia Russia (, , ), or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world, with its internationally recognised territory covering , and encompassing one-eig ...

. While working, he primarily lived in a cottage, fondly known as “Ennesfree.” The cottage was provided by

Noel Sullivan Noel Sullivan (born 28 July 1980 as Noel John Hayes) is a Welsh singer and actor. He was a member of the British pop group Hear'Say. Like the other members of the group, he won his part through the talent show '' Popstars''. Early life Sulli ...

, one of several of Hughes’

patrons Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows on another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists su ...

. Hughes’ stay in Carmel is marked by notable sense of deep community connection and sustenance. In a letter to close friends, Matt and Evelyn "Nebby" Crawford, he laments: "A few months ago I was worried about being undernourished in

Tashkent Tashkent (, uz, Toshkent, Тошкент/, ) (from russian: Ташкент), or Toshkent (; ), also historically known as Chach is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan. It is the most populous city in Central Asia, with a population of 2 ...

. Now, I mworried about being over-nourished in Carmel." As for his career, the time between 1933 and 1934 spent in Carmel is considered by Hughes to be the first extended amount of time that he could stay in one community and devote himself to his craft. He worked ten to twelve hours each day, completing at least one story or article each week. Although the book is his first collection of short stories, several of the works included in ''The Ways of White Folks'' were originally printed in other publications. These publications include Esquire,

The American Mercury ''The American Mercury'' was an American magazine published from 1924Staff (Dec. 31, 1923)"Bichloride of Mercury."''Time''. to 1981. It was founded as the brainchild of H. L. Mencken and drama critic George Jean Nathan. The magazine featured wri ...

, Scribner’s, Opportunity,

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle :''This article covers both the historical newspaper (1841–1955, 1960–1963), as well as an unrelated new Brooklyn Daily Eagle starting 1996 published currently'' The ''Brooklyn Eagle'' (originally joint name ''The Brooklyn Eagle'' and ''King ...

, Debate, and Abbott’s Monthly.

The collection consists of 14 short stories: I. “Cora Unashamed” is the first story within the collection. The narrative details Cora Jenkins’ life as one of the only Black persons in a rural-American town. The short story explores themes of societal discrimination based on race, class, and sex. II. “Slave on the Block” is the second story within the collection, a

tongue-in-cheek The idiom tongue-in-cheek refers to a humorous or sarcastic statement expressed in a serious manner. History The phrase originally expressed contempt, but by 1842 had acquired its modern meaning. Early users of the phrase include Sir Walter Scot ...

exploration of the Carraways, a married White artist couple, and the reductive relationship they have with Luther and Mattie, their Black employees. The short story was originally published in the September 1933 edition of '' Scribner’s Magazine.'' III. “Home” is the third story within the collection, detailing the return of talented violinist Roy Williams to his hometown of Hopkinsville, Missouri. The work was originally published under the name “The Folks at Home” in the May 1934 edition of '' Esquire''. IV. “Passing” is the fourth story within the collection. The narrative is delivered by Jack through a letter to his mother, where he reveals the complex experience of passing as White, despite identifying as Black. V. “A Good Job Done” is the fifth story within the collection. The story explores the occupation of a young man working for a well-off Mr. Lloyd, and the conditions that led to the end of the job. The short work was originally published in the April 1934 edition of ''

Esquire Magazine ''Esquire'' is an American men's magazine. Currently published in the United States by Hearst Communications, it also has more than 20 international editions. Founded in 1933, it flourished during the Great Depression and World War II under t ...

''. VI. “Rejuvenation Through Joy” is the sixth story within the collection. The narrative details the mayhem of con-man Eugene Lesche and his jazz-themed soul colony, created to help people achieve spiritual enlightenment. The work comments on the African primitivist aesthetic, qualifying previous historical focuses of the lens, while still advocating for its relevance. VII. “The Blues I’m Playing” is the seventh story within the collection. The work details the patronage relationship between Osceola Jones, a young Black pianist, and her patron, Mrs. Ellsworth. The short story was originally published in the May 1934 edition of '' Scribner’s Magazine.'' VIII. “Red-Headed Baby” is the eighth story within the collection. The story recounts consequences of Mister Clarence's, a white seaman, return to a small town on the coast of Florida to visit a former lover, a biracial Betsy. IX. “Poor Little Black Fellow” is the ninth story within the collection, describing the life of Arnie, a Black

orphan An orphan (from the el, ορφανός, orphanós) is a child whose parents have died. In common usage, only a child who has lost both parents due to death is called an orphan. When referring to animals, only the mother's condition is usuall ...

left in the care of the White

upper-class Upper class in modern societies is the social class composed of people who hold the highest social status, usually are the wealthiest members of class society, and wield the greatest political power. According to this view, the upper class is gen ...

Pemberton couple. The story explores Arnie’s isolation as the only Black member of his

New England New England is a region comprising six states in the Northeastern United States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It is bordered by the state of New York (state), New York to the west and by the Can ...

community, and his experience abroad searching for connection. X. “Little Dog” is the tenth story within the collection, detailing the lives of the lonely Miss Briggs, her little white dog Flips, and the new Black janitor, Joe. XI. “Berry” is the eleventh story within the collection. The story focuses on Millberry Jones', a young Black man, time working for

sanatorium A sanatorium (from Latin '' sānāre'' 'to heal, make healthy'), also sanitarium or sanitorium, are antiquated names for specialised hospitals, for the treatment of specific diseases, related ailments and convalescence. Sanatoriums are often ...

for disabled children. XII. “Mother and Child” Mother and Child” is the twelfth story within the collection, depicting the impacts of an interracial affair and the resulting child’s birth on a small

Ohio Ohio () is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Of the fifty U.S. states, it is the 34th-largest by area, and with a population of nearly 11.8 million, is the seventh-most populous and tenth-most densely populated. The sta ...

town. XIII. “One Christmas Eve” is the thirteenth story within the collection. The story examines Joe's, a young Black child, experience meeting

Santa Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring children gifts during the late evening and overnigh ...

in a White-only movie theater. XIV. “Father and Son” is the fourteenth and final story within the collection. The story details the lives and relationship of

plantation A plantation is an agricultural estate, generally centered on a plantation house, meant for farming that specializes in cash crops, usually mainly planted with a single crop, with perhaps ancillary areas for vegetables for eating and so on. The ...

owner Colonel Thomas Norwood and his biracial, rebellious son, Bert.

"Cora Unashamed"

Summary

“Cora Unashamed” introduces forty-year-old Cora Jenkins’ life as one of the only Black persons in the rural town of Melton. Cora has a child with a White foreigner, Joe, out of wedlock. Upon realization of Cora’s pregnancy, Joe leaves town and Cora, forcing her to raise Josephine on her own. Cora also works as a maid for the high-society Studevant family, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the Studevant’s child, Jessie. Upon Josephine’s early death from

whooping-cough Whooping cough, also known as pertussis or the 100-day cough, is a highly contagious bacterial disease. Initial symptoms are usually similar to those of the common cold with a runny nose, fever, and mild cough, but these are followed by two or ...

, Cora begins to treat Jessie as her own child. The two develop an incredibly close relationship throughout the years. When Jessie becomes pregnant just before graduating high school, Cora bears the responsibility of informing the senior Studevants. Jessie's parents are incredibly ashamed of the premarital pregnancy and induce an unwanted abortion upon Jessie. Jessie ultimately dies from distress a few weeks after the procedure. Cora is distraught at the loss of Jessie. She attends Jessie’s funeral and publicly accuses the Studevants of killing both Jessie and the child. Afterwards, despite no longer working for the Studevants, the Jenkins family still “manage to get along.

Reception

David Herbert Donald called "Cora Unashamed" "a brilliantly realized portrait of an isolated black woman in a small Middle Western town, who stoically survives her own sorrows but in the end lashes out against the hypocrisy of the whites who employ her." That story was adapted into a film of the same name from The American Collection directed by Deborah M. Pratt, starring

Regina Taylor Regina Annette Taylor
''Film Reference''. (born August 22, 1960) is an American

and

Cherry Jones Cherry Jones (born November 21, 1956) is an American actress known for her roles on screen and stage. She has received various accolades for her performances in television and theatre including three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, th ...

, and released in 2000. Cinematographer Ernest Holzman won an American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Award, for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Movies of the Week/Mini-Series'/Pilot for Network or Basic Broadcast TV, for his work on this film.

"Slave on the Block"

“Slave on the Block” is an exploration of the relationship between the Carraways, two affluent White New Yorkers, and Black culture. Michael and Anne Carraway, a musician and an artist respectively, are interested in the exotic aesthetic of Black Art and Black Americans. Upon meeting Luther, the Black nephew of their former cook, the Carraways hire him under pretenses as their gardener. Jobless and recently relocated from the South, Luther happily accepts employment and included accommodations. As time progresses, however, the Carraways become more concerned with using Luther as inspiration for their art, rather than employment. Luther is quickly taken under the wing of Mattie, the older Black maid in the Carraway house. Eventually, the two become romantically involved. Throughout the novel, the Carraways remain oblivious to Mattie and Luther’s personal boundaries, perceiving them as objects of entertainment, inspiration, and housework. Building tensions reach a turning point when Mr. Carraway’s mother comes to visit from

Kansas Kansas () is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its capital is Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita. Kansas is a landlocked state bordered by Nebraska to the north; Missouri to the east; Oklahoma to the south; and Colorado to th ...

. After a snide comment from Luther and seeing him bare-chested in the house, the senior Mrs. Carraway screams, calls Luther a slur, and demands his dismissal. Michael Carraway does so immediately. Mattie joins Luther in departure, admonishing the Carraways for their lack of respect and demanding that she and Luther both be paid before leaving. Mr. Carraway complies.

"Home"

"Home" details the return of Roy Williams, a talented young jazz musician, to his hometown of Hopkinsville, Missouri. Roy has spent the last half of a decade traveling, performing with an

orchestra An orchestra (; ) is a large instrumental ensemble typical of classical music, which combines instruments from different families. There are typically four main sections of instruments: * bowed string instruments, such as the violin, viola, c ...

in night clubs across Europe. He returns due to illness, certain that he will die soon. Upon return to his hometown, Roy challenges the norms of a Black American in the small town he grew up in—he is well-dressed, educated, and has financial means from performing abroad. Despite a cold welcome from his white townsmen, Roy’s mother is elated her violin prodigy son has returned. At his homecoming concert Roy meets Miss Reese, a older White music teacher at the local high school. Miss Reese is particularly impressed with Roy’s talent and invites him to play for her Senior music appreciation class. After the performance, Miss Reese lauds Roy as a true musical artist, despite his poor performance due to the progressing illness. Late one autumn night, a weakened Roy takes a walk through the center of town. During his outing, he is greeted by Miss Reese and the two strike up casual conversation as two appreciators of music. Mid-conversation, Roy is attacked by a White mob under the pretense that he was attacking Miss Reese. The mob lynches Roy, beating him to death and hanging his naked body on a tree at the edge of town. The short story was originally published under the title “The Folks at Home” in '' Esquire'' in the May 1934 edition, including the description “The story of what happens when an uppty n -er has forgotten his place in his old hometown.”

"Passing"

“Passing” is a story told by Jack through a letter to his mother, revealing the complex experience of individuals that can

pass Pass, PASS, The Pass or Passed may refer to: Places * Pass, County Meath, a townland in Ireland * Pass, Poland, a village in Poland * Pass, an alternate term for a number of straits: see List of straits * Mountain pass, a lower place in a moun ...

as White, despite identifying as Black. After physically passing his mother on the street and being unable to acknowledge her, Jack writes to his mother reflecting on his ability to pass. Jack acknowledges he can achieve a higher level of

social Social organisms, including human(s), live collectively in interacting populations. This interaction is considered social whether they are aware of it or not, and whether the exchange is voluntary or not. Etymology The word "social" derives from ...

and

economic An economy is an area of the production, distribution and trade, as well as consumption of goods and services. In general, it is defined as a social domain that emphasize the practices, discourses, and material expressions associated with the ...

status because he is categorized as White by society. Despite these benefits, there are still consequences to this passing. As a member of White society, Jack is unable to share his life with his Black family, his mother, and siblings Gladys and Charlie. The letter closes with Jack detailing his hopes and plans for the future, including moving to a big city, marrying a White woman, buying a house, acknowledging only his White children, and never seeing his family again.

"A Good Job Gone"

“A Good Job Gone” is written from the perspective of a young Black Columbia student. The young man works for Mr. Lloyd, a well-off man with a propensity for women and liquor, as a

domestic servant A domestic worker or domestic servant is a person who works within the scope of a residence. The term "domestic service" applies to the equivalent occupational category. In traditional English contexts, such a person was said to be "in service ...

. Mr. Lloyd and the young man have an amicable relationship; Mr. Lloyd pays the young man well, the young man does as Mr. Lloyd asks, and the two often drink together. The young man is quite content with their arrangement, until Pauline arrives. Pauline is a Black woman, and the only woman that can hold Mr. Lloyd’s attention. Despite his adoration, Pauline sees Mr. Lloyd as a financial asset, stoking his needs in exchange for financial support. Upon learning Pauline has another lover and is only interested in him monetarily, Mr. Lloyd falls into a drunken stupor. He spends weeks intoxicated and in search of Pauline, who has left Harlem and cannot be found. Upon realizing Pauline is gone, Mr. Lloyd slips into

psychosis Psychosis is a condition of the mind that results in difficulties determining what is real and what is not real. Symptoms may include delusions and hallucinations, among other features. Additional symptoms are incoherent speech and behavior ...

and is checked into a

. The story concludes with the young man completing college with no means to get to dental school, as he has yet to find another occupation since his good job with Mr. Lloyd has gone. The short story was originally published in May 1934 in '' Esquire,'' described as “the story twelve men out of every thirteen wanted- but the thirteenth can always skip.”

"Rejuvenation Through Joy"

“Rejuvenation Through Joy” is a narrative detailing the misadventures of Mr. Eugene Lesche, a con-artist capitalizing upon Black culture and stereotypes. Eugene and his longtime business partner Sol Blum open a jazz-themed cult, connecting the ideas of Black rhythm, happy souls, and the path to spiritual rejuvenation. Eugene Lesche’s Cult of Joy is initially wildly successful, but ultimately fails after a unsuccessul attempted double-homicide. After Lesche’s disappearance, it is revealed by the tabloids that he was a Black man passing for White the entire time.

Primitivism

In terms of African

primitivism Primitivism is a mode of aesthetic idealization that either emulates or aspires to recreate a "primitive" experience. It is also defined as a philosophical doctrine that considers "primitive" peoples as nobler than civilized peoples and was an o ...

, Hughes simultaneously criticizes the primitivist camp for its absurdity, while still advocating that jazz music illuminates a suppressed aspect of the Western individual’s consciousness, and that African Americans can access this repressed psyche more readily than White folks. The story also comments on the deep issue of Black Americans’, including Hughes, participation in promoting problematic overreaches of primitivism in the 1920s.

"The Blues I'm Playing"

“The Blues I’m Playing” details the relationship between Oceola Jones, a young Black piano prodigy, and Mrs. Dora Ellsworth, Oceola’s wealthy

patron Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows on another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists su ...

. Mrs. Ellsworth demands Osceola prioritize art above else, especially Osceola’s lover, Pete. For a long period of time, Osceola conforms to Mrs. Ellsworth’s requests, moving out of

Harlem Harlem is a neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, New York City. It is bounded roughly by the Hudson River on the west; the Harlem River and 155th Street on the north; Fifth Avenue on the east; and Central Park North on the south. The greater Ha ...

and devoting herself to pianism and the study of art. Eventually, Osceola realizes that her expression of music requires expression, passion, and living, and stands in contrast to Mrs. Ellsworth’s perception of art. When Pete asks Osceola to marry him, Osceola accepts at the expense of losing Mrs. Ellsworth’s patronage. The story concludes with an estranged-Osceola playing her own composition of blues for an unimpressed Mrs. Ellsworth. "The Blues I'm Playing" was originally published in the May 1934 edition of

Scribner's Magazine ''Scribner's Magazine'' was an American periodical published by the publishing house of Charles Scribner's Sons from January 1887 to May 1939. ''Scribner's Magazine'' was the second magazine out of the Scribner's firm, after the publication of ' ...

"Red-Headed Baby"

“Red-Headed Baby” describes fallout of Mister Clarence, a white seaman’s, return to a small town on the coast of Florida to visit a former lover, a mixed-race Betsy. After a few drinks, Betsy, her mother, and Mister Clarence are interrupted by Clarence, Betsy’s two year old, red-haired, blue-eyed, disabled, white child. Mister Clarence is struck by the existence and appearance of his child, particularly with how similar they look. He leaves abruptly and pays for the alcohol he’s consumed, much to the surprise of Betsy.

"Poor Little Black Fellow"

“Poor Little Black Fellow” explores the life of Arnie, a Black

left in the care of the White Pemberton family. The entire town of Mapelton is overly kind towards Arnie because he is the only Black person in town. Even still, he still feels separated and lonely. In an effort to provide Arnie an unspoiled summer before attending Fiskthe next Fall, the Pembertons take Arnie on a trip to

Europe Europe is a large peninsula conventionally considered a continent in its own right because of its great physical size and the weight of its history and traditions. Europe is also considered a subcontinent of Eurasia and it is located entirel ...

. Upon meeting Claudina Lawrence, a Black starlet from

Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...

, in

Paris Paris () is the Capital city, capital and List of communes in France with over 20,000 inhabitants, most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), ma ...

, Arnie begins to find a community. The story ends with Arnie’s decision to leave the Pembertons mid-trip and remain in Paris.

"Little Dog"

“Little Dog” details the life of Miss Briggs, a lonely head bookkeeper living in New York. One summer, Miss Briggs buys a little white dog and names him “Flips.” After bringing Flips home to her apartment, she enlists the help of her janitor, a young

Swedish Swedish or ' may refer to: Anything from or related to Sweden, a country in Northern Europe. Or, specifically: * Swedish language, a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Sweden and Finland ** Swedish alphabet, the official alphabet used by ...

man, to deliver food for the dog. Miss Briggs’ and Flips’ routine is disrupted when Joe, a Black man, becomes the new janitor. Despite Joe’s kindness and adherence to the food delivery routine, Miss Briggs finds herself uncomfortable and anxious around Joe. Ultimately, she and Flips move out of the apartment complex due to Miss Briggs’ inability to reconcile her emotions.

"Berry"

“Berry” describes Millberry Jones, a young uneducated Black man hired to work in the kitchen at an outpatient facility for

disabled Disability is the experience of any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or have equitable access within a given society. Disabilities may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, ...

children. Berry realizes that he is overemployed and underpaid, and suspects that the sanatorium is

defrauding In law, fraud is intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain, or to deprive a victim of a legal right. Fraud can violate civil law (e.g., a fraud victim may sue the fraud perpetrator to avoid the fraud or recover monetary compensa ...

its clients and the children in its care. Despite these conditions, Berry forms a close connection with the children. On a trip to the beach with the patients, Berry is blamed for carelessly allowing a child to fall from his wheelchair. Berry is immediately dismissed, without his pay.

"Mother and Child"

“Mother and Child” depicts a group of Black women’s discussion of a White woman and Black man in town’s new baby. The birth is notable because the couple is interracial and the woman is married to another White man. The women express concerns over heightened racial tensions, and chatter amongst themselves as to what the future holds for the Ohio town and the couple. The story concludes with the beginning of the monthly meeting of Salvation Rock Ladies’ Missionary Society for the Rescue of the African Heathen.

“One Christmas Eve”

“One Christmas Eve" depicts Arcie and her five-year-old son's, Joe, Christmas Eve shopping trip. Arcie, intent on providing Joe an acceptable Christmas, does not notice when her son slips away to see Santa Claus in a nearby White-only movie theatre. Upon a fear-inducing encounter with Santa as the only Black child, Joe flees the store and eventually reunites with his mother. After Joe recounts his terrifying experience in the theatre, Arcie tells Joe that the man he met was not the real Santa—he was just an old White man.

"Father and Son"

“Father and Son” is a story about Colonel Thomas Norwood and his half-Black son, Bert Lewis. Growing up, Bert constantly sought acknowledgement from the Colonel as his son. The Colonel’s inability to recognize Bert as his child, coupled with a predisposition to mischief, pushes Bert to rebel throughout his childhood. This strained relationship between the two men continues into Bert’s adulthood. Tensions reach their height one summer after Bert returns to the

Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the Southeast United States Georgia may also refer to: Places Historical states and entities * Related to the ...

from college. The Colonel threatens to kill Bert after publicly correcting a young White bank teller for her incorrect counting of change. Before the Colonel can act, Bert strangles him and kills him. Upon discovery of the Colonel’s murder, a mob forms to punish Bert for his actions. Before the mob can kill him, however, Bert commits suicide with the help of Cora, his mother. The mob is unfulfilled by Bert’s death, so they capture and

lynch Lynch may refer to: Places Australia * Lynch Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica * Lynch Point, Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica * Lynch's Crater, Queensland, Australia England * River Lynch, Hertfordshire * The Lynch, an island in the River ...

Willie, Bert’s older brother. The evening papers report a double lynching of two plantation field hands for murdering Colonel Thomas Norwood, who left no heirs.

Reception

Contemporary Review

In September 1934 in his monthly column “The Literary Landscape” of the ''

North American Review The ''North American Review'' (NAR) was the first literary magazine in the United States. It was founded in Boston in 1815 by journalist Nathan Hale and others. It was published continuously until 1940, after which it was inactive until revived at ...

'', Herschel Brickell described the collection as:

“Some of the best stories that have appeared in this country in years… the author is far and way the most talented member of his race who has ever written on his race.”

Posthumous Reviews

In September 1996, upon the publication of a comprehensive edition of Hughes's short stories entitled ''The Short Stories of Langston Hughes'' (),

David Herbert Donald David Herbert Donald (October 1, 1920 – May 17, 2009) was an American historian, best known for his 1995 biography of Abraham Lincoln. He twice won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography for earlier works; he published more than 30 books on United S ...

, in a review published by ''

The New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''the Times'', ''NYT'', or the Gray Lady) is a daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership reported in 2020 to comprise a declining 840,000 paid print subscribers, and a growing 6 million paid d ...

'', wrote:

"Hughes's short stories might occupy a larger place in American literature had they all lived up to the standard he set in ''The Ways of White Folks,'' written when he was under the immediate influence of
D. H. Lawrence David Herbert Lawrence (11 September 1885 – 2 March 1930) was an English writer, novelist, poet and essayist. His works reflect on modernity, industrialization, sexuality, emotional health, vitality, spontaneity and instinct. His best-k ...
and when he was still a passionate socialist. He could not sustain the tone of those powerful, polemical pieces."

References

External links

*, featuring three of the short stories from ''The Ways of White Folks'' {{DEFAULTSORT:Ways Of White Folks Works by Langston Hughes American short story collections 1934 short story collections Alfred A. Knopf books African-American short story collections

Background

Contents

"Cora Unashamed"

Summary

Reception

"Slave on the Block"

"Home"

"Passing"

"A Good Job Gone"

"Rejuvenation Through Joy"

Primitivism

"The Blues I'm Playing"

"Red-Headed Baby"

"Poor Little Black Fellow"

"Little Dog"

"Berry"

"Mother and Child"

“One Christmas Eve”

"Father and Son"

Reception

Contemporary Review

Posthumous Reviews

Further reading

References

External links