One Friday Morning by Langston Hughes revolves around Nancy Lee Johnson, a young African-American lady who is a skilled high school student and aspiring artist. She won a scholarship from the WPA (Works Progress Administration) to attend an art academy, which is a significant accomplishment for her. However, her excitement turns into disappointment when she realizes that the scholarship is withdrawn because of her race. Nancy’s dreams and aspirations are shattered by the racial prejudices that exist in society, but she remains determined to persevere.
“One Friday Morning” is a poignant and thought-provoking story that reflects Hughes’ commitment to addressing the racial issues prevalent in American society. “One Friday Morning” was first published in 1941 as part of his collection of short stories titled “The Ways of White Folks.”
One Friday Morning | Summary
“One Friday Morning” by Langston Hughes is a compelling short story that addresses the themes of racial discrimination, inequality, and resilience. Nancy’s dreams take a promising turn when she wins a scholarship from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to attend an art academy. This achievement signifies an important opportunity for Nancy to pursue her artistic aspirations. However, Nancy’s celebration soon reaches a cul-de-sac when her scholarship is rescinded owing to her race. The story explores the deeply ingrained racial prejudices prevalent in society during that period. Nancy’s experience reflects the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans, as her race becomes a barrier to accessing educational and artistic opportunities. The revocation of her scholarship highlights the inherent inequality and injustice that permeated society, denying talented individuals like Nancy the chance to fulfill their potential.
Despite this setback, Nancy exhibits remarkable resilience and determination. Rather than succumbing to defeat, she decides to fight against the injustice she has encountered. With a newfound determination, she continues to pursue her artistic endeavors, refusing to let the discriminatory actions of others hinder her passion and talent.
Through “One Friday Morning,” Hughes sheds light on the challenges faced by African Americans in a segregated society, urging readers to confront and question racial discrimination. By presenting the harsh realities of racial inequality, Hughes calls for social change and advocates for a more just and equitable society.
One Friday Morning | Analysis
One of the central aspects of the story is the contrast between Nancy Lee Johnson’s talent and ambition and the systemic racism that hinders her progress. Nancy is a gifted artist who earns a scholarship, a symbol of hope and opportunity. Hughes skillfully presents the psychological and emotional impact of racial discrimination on Nancy. The abrupt removal of her scholarship dashes her dreams and forces her to confront the stark reality of racial injustice. Nancy’s resilience and determination to continue pursuing her artistic passion despite the setback highlight her strength of character and refusal to be defeated by societal prejudices.
The story also critiques the hypocrisy of a society that claims to be fair and equal while perpetuating racial discrimination. Hughes exposes the stark contrast between the ideals of equality and the harsh realities faced by African-Americans. By doing so, he challenges the readers to question the deeply ingrained biases and systemic barriers that hinder progress and perpetuate inequality. Hughes employs vivid imagery and poignant language to evoke empathy and emotional resonance in the readers. His portrayal of Nancy as a symbol of hope and resilience humanizes the struggle against racial discrimination, making it relatable to readers of diverse backgrounds. “One Friday Morning” serves as a call to action, urging readers to confront and dismantle the structural racism that exists within society. The story’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to provoke critical reflection on the persisting issues of racial inequality, inspiring readers to advocate for social justice.
“One Friday Morning” is thus a socially conscious work by Langston Hughes that tackles the themes of racial discrimination and resilience. Through the lens of Nancy Lee Johnson’s experience, Hughes exposes the harsh realities of racial prejudice and inequality while highlighting the strength and determination of individuals in the face of adversity. The story remains a powerful critique of systemic racism and a catalyst for conversations about social change and equality.
One Friday Morning | Character Sketch
The protagonist of “One Friday Morning,” Nancy Lee Johnson, is a young African-American woman who embodies resilience, talent, and determination. Nancy is depicted as a gifted artist with a passion for her craft. Her talent and dedication to art are evident in her pursuit of a scholarship from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to attend an art academy. This pursuit showcases her ambition and desire to fulfill her artistic potential. When Nancy wins the scholarship, she experiences a moment of triumph, believing that her hard work and talent have been recognized. This turning point of the scholarship being retracted in the story reveals the resilience within Nancy as she refuses to succumb to despair or bitterness.
Despite the disappointment and injustice, she faces, Nancy refuses to give up. She demonstrates an unwavering determination to continue pursuing her artistic aspirations, challenging the systemic racism that threatens to stifle her dreams. Her refusal to be defeated by the discriminatory actions of others underscores her strength of character and resilience. Nancy’s character represents the larger struggles faced by African Americans in a racially segregated society. She becomes a symbol of hope and inspiration, embodying the collective spirit of individuals who persevere and resist the barriers imposed by systemic racism. Her experiences evoke empathy and shed light on the pervasive inequalities faced by marginalized communities.
Through Nancy’s character, Hughes invites readers to critically examine the impact of racial discrimination on individual lives. Her story prompts reflection on the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity and highlights the urgent need for social change.
One Friday Morning | Significance of the Title
The title, “One Friday Morning,” holds significance in several ways within the context of the story. By pinpointing a particular morning, it suggests that a significant event or turning point in the narrative will occur on that specific day. This heightens the anticipation and engages the reader from the outset, prompting them to pay attention to the events that unfold. Secondly, the title highlights the role of time and its impact on the protagonist, Nancy Lee Johnson. The story revolves around a crucial Friday morning in Nancy’s life, emphasizing the significance of this moment.
Moreover, the choice of the day, Friday, carries symbolic weight. In Christian tradition, Good Friday is the day Jesus Christ was crucified, representing sacrifice and suffering. This allusion to Good Friday may suggest a parallel between Nancy’s experience and the sacrifice she is forced to make due to racial discrimination.
Additionally, the title conveys a sense of routine and normalcy associated with weekdays. Fridays are often seen as the end of the work or school week, a day of anticipation for the weekend. By situating the story on a Friday morning, Hughes juxtaposes the routine expectations of a typical day with the extraordinary events that unfold for Nancy. This contrast serves to emphasize the disruption and injustice she encounters, highlighting the disparity between societal norms and the discriminatory practices she faces.
One Friday Morning | Themes
The themes in “One Friday Morning” by Langston Hughes revolve around racial discrimination, inequality, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. The story exposes the pervasive racial prejudices prevalent in American society during the 1940s. Nancy’s experience of having her scholarship revoked solely based on her race highlights the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans.
The story portrays the stark inequalities that exist in a racially divided society. It highlights the disparities in access to education, opportunities, and social advancement based on race. Nancy’s talents and aspirations are stifled by the discriminatory practices that deny her the chance to pursue her dreams, illustrating the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. Nancy embodies resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the setback of having her scholarship withdrawn, she refuses to be defeated. Her determination to continue pursuing her artistic aspirations serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the strength required to resist and overcome discriminatory obstacles.
Despite the systemic racism she encounters, she remains committed to her artistic pursuits, refusing to let discriminatory actions hinder her ambitions. Her story emphasizes the power of personal agency and the drive to achieve personal fulfillment. Nancy’s experience becomes a catalyst for examining and questioning societal norms, urging readers to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
One Friday Morning | Literary Devices
Hughes uses symbolism to represent abstract ideas or concepts. For example, Nancy’s artwork symbolizes her dreams, aspirations, and creativity. The scholarship itself symbolizes opportunity and recognition. These symbols deepen the meaning of the narrative and add layers of interpretation.
Hughes utilizes vivid imagery to engage the reader’s senses and create a more immersive reading experience. Descriptions of Nancy’s artwork, the art academy, and the racial discrimination she faces evoke visual and sensory images that bring the story to life.
The irony is employed throughout the story to highlight the contrast between expectations and reality. The irony is evident when Nancy, a talented and deserving student, has her scholarship revoked based on her race, showcasing the hypocrisy and unfairness of the situation.
Hughes incorporates foreshadowing to provide hints or clues about future events in the narrative. This technique creates anticipation and tension. The title itself, “One Friday Morning,” foreshadows a significant event taking place on that specific day, preparing the reader for a turning point in the story. Hughes utilizes repetition to emphasize key ideas and create a rhythmic effect. For instance, the repetition of Nancy’s aspirations and determination to become an artist reinforces the importance of her dreams and highlights her unwavering commitment to her craft.
Dialogue is employed to reveal character traits, convey emotions, and drive the plot forward. The conversations between Nancy and the other characters provide insight into their attitudes, motivations, and biases. The writer skilfuly incorporates allusions, particularly to religious and historical events, to enrich the story’s meaning. For example, the choice of Friday may allude to Good Friday, symbolizing sacrifice and suffering.
