Why, You Reckon? by Langston Hughes is a short story set in Harlem during the Great Depression. The story follows the perspective of a young African American man named Sargeant who finds himself in a desperate situation. Sargeant is hungry and cold, struggling to survive in challenging times.
Why, You Reckon | Summary
One snowy night, while walking down Hundred Thirty-third Street, Sargeant encounters another African American man who appears just as hungry as him. The man suggests they rob a white man coming out of a speakeasy, arguing that they should take what they need since wealthy white people do not care about their struggles. Although hesitant, Sargeant eventually agrees to the plan, driven by his hunger and desperation.
As they walk, they spot a group of white people, including a young man named Edward Peedee McGill, walking down the street. The other man points out Edward as their target, describing him as a wealthy white man who frequents Harlem nightclubs. They grab Edward and force him into a nearby basement. Inside the basement, Sargeant and the other man proceed to rob Edward. They take his money, watch, and other valuables. Throughout the encounter, the other man expresses his frustrations about the poverty and inequality they face as African Americans, contrasting it with the extravagant lifestyles of some white individuals.
The conversation becomes tense as the other man confronts Edward about his privilege and accuses him of showing off his wealth in Harlem. The stark contrast between their circumstances becomes increasingly apparent. Unexpectedly, the other man decides to leave, taking all the stolen items with him. He leaves Sargeant and Edward alone in the basement. Sargeant and Edward have a brief conversation, where Edward reflects on the experience, admitting that it was the first time he felt a genuine sense of excitement and authenticity in Harlem, as opposed to the artificiality of his previous experiences in the neighborhood. Feeling a sense of empathy, Sargeant allows Edward to go home. They part ways, and Sargeant is left contemplating the inequalities and injustices that persist in their society.
By the end of the story, Edward undergoes a transformation in his perspective and understanding of the realities faced by marginalized communities, particularly African Americans. As Edward is held captive in the basement by Sargeant and the other man, he begins to question his own experiences and the superficiality of his previous encounters in Harlem. He reflects on the artificiality of his past interactions, admitting that they were mere shows and performances. This realization indicates a growing awareness of the stark disparities present universally in this world.
Why, You Reckon | Analysis
Through the characters of Sargeant and Edward, Hughes paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by African Americans during the Great Depression, particularly in Harlem. Hughes effectively highlights the stark contrast between their lifestyles, emphasizing the frustrations and resentments that arise as a result. Sargeant, driven by hunger and cold, agrees to participate in the robbery proposed by the other man. This decision raises questions about the moral boundaries individuals are willing to cross when faced with dire circumstances. Through Sargeant’s internal conflict, Hughes invites readers to consider the complexities of poverty and the difficult choices that people are forced to make.
While Sargeant and the other man initially hold the upper hand over Edward, their power dynamics shift dramatically when the other man decides to take all the stolen items and leaves them empty-handed. This reversal of power exposes the vulnerability and powerlessness of individuals trapped in poverty, where they are easily exploited and left with even less than before. Hughes’s writing skillfully captures the social and emotional atmosphere of the time, showcasing the gritty realities of Harlem during the Great Depression. The language and dialogue used by the characters effectively convey their desperation, resentment, and frustration, providing a nuanced understanding of their experiences.
Why, You Reckon | Context
The story is set during the Great Depression, a period of severe economic downturn in the United States that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s. The social context is marked by widespread poverty, unemployment, and economic hardships, particularly affecting marginalized communities such as African Americans. African Americans faced systemic oppression, limited access to education, employment, and public facilities, and were subject to racial violence and injustice. The Great Depression and its economic hardships led to widespread discontent and societal unrest. The story reflects the frustrations and desperation felt by individuals struggling to survive and the tensions arising from the vast economic disparities between different racial and socioeconomic groups.
Why, You Reckon | Themes
The story explores the devastating impact of poverty and the desperation it can engender. The characters, particularly Sargeant, are driven to desperate measures due to their dire circumstances. It highlights the racial disparities and inequalities prevalent in society during the time. It exposes the stark contrast between the impoverished African American community and the wealthier white individuals, emphasizing the frustrations and resentments that arise from systemic racial injustice.
Why, You Reckon? examines the dynamics of power and exploitation. Sargeant and the other man initially exert power over Edward, robbing him and highlighting the vulnerability of those in poverty. However, the other man ultimately takes all the stolen items, exposing the powerlessness and vulnerability of individuals trapped in poverty. The story contrasts the authenticity of the characters’ experiences with the artificiality of the privileged lifestyle Edward represents. Edward reflects on the superficiality of his previous experiences in Harlem, while the desperation and struggle of Sargeant’s life feel genuine. It further underscores the social divisions that exist in society and the stark disparities between different economic and racial groups.
Why, You Reckon | Character Sketch
Sargeant is the protagonist of the story “Why, You Reckon?” by Langston Hughes. Sargeant is portrayed as a character who is hungry, cold, and desperate to survive. Sargeant’s primary motivation throughout the story is his dire need for food and warmth. He represents the struggles faced by many African Americans during this era, who were marginalized and impoverished. Sargeant’s decision to participate in the robbery proposed by the other man reflects the difficult choices individuals are forced to make when faced with desperate circumstances.
Despite his participation in the crime, Sargeant also exhibits a sense of empathy and humanity. He shows compassion towards Edward, allowing him to go home instead of continuing to hold him captive. This moment showcases a glimmer of kindness and a recognition of shared humanity, highlighting the complex nature of Sargeant’s character.
Edward Peedee McGill is a young white man who becomes a target of the robbery planned by Sargeant and the other man in the story. Edward is depicted as someone who represents privilege and wealth in contrast to the impoverished African American characters. Edward’s character serves as a catalyst for examining racial and economic disparities. He is shown as someone who frequents Harlem nightclubs and possesses expensive possessions such as a tuxedo, diamonds, and high-end cigarettes.
Throughout the story, Edward undergoes a shift in perspective. He says that it was the first time he felt true enthusiasm and genuineness in Harlem after first being terrified by the circumstances. This introspection reveals a growing awareness of the artificiality and superficiality of his previous encounters with the community.
Why, You Reckon | Significance of the Title
The title reflects the colloquial and informal tone of the narrative, capturing the speech patterns and vernacular of the characters. It establishes a sense of authenticity and reflects the cultural and social context of the African American community in Harlem. The phrase “Why, You Reckon?” suggests a rhetorical question posed to challenge assumptions and provoke critical thinking. It reflects the characters’ questioning of the societal structures and power dynamics that contribute to their struggles and inequalities. Furthermore, the title serves as a commentary on the characters’ perceptions and reckoning with their circumstances. Sargeant, in his desperate state, reckons with the moral dilemma of participating in the robbery, while Edward reckons with the superficiality of his previous experiences in Harlem and the stark realities faced by marginalized communities.
Why, You Reckon | Literary Devices
The story heavily relies on dialogue to reveal the characters’ thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. The conversations between the characters drive the plot forward and provide insights into their motivations and conflicts.
Hughes employs dialect to authentically represent the speech patterns and vernacular of the African American characters. The use of colloquial language adds depth and realism to the story, capturing the cultural and social context of Harlem during the Great Depression.
The story utilizes vivid imagery to create sensory experiences for the reader. For example, descriptions of the snowy streets, the raw gas jet’s blue flame, the broken pane letting in the cold wind, and the coal dust in the basement contribute to the atmosphere and enhance the reader’s immersion in the setting.
The story employs symbolism to convey deeper meanings. The stolen items, such as money, watches, and diamonds, symbolize material wealth and the privilege associated with them. The coalbin in the basement serves as a symbol of confinement, poverty, and the harsh reality faced by the characters.
There are instances of foreshadowing in the story that hints at the direction of the plot. For example, the conversation between Sargeant and the other man discussing their plan to rob a white man foreshadows the subsequent events and their encounter with Edward.
Why, You Reckon? serves as a form of social commentary, highlighting the racial and economic disparities prevalent during the Great Depression. Through its characters and their experiences, the narrative reflects on the injustices, power dynamics, and systemic inequalities that exist in society.
