Success by Langston Hughes (1945)
The poem explores themes of privilege, social inequality, and the moral implications of personal success. The speaker reflects on their own comfort and abundance while contrasting it with the struggles of those around them. The imagery of sitting with a "belly full" highlights a sense of complacency and detachment from the suffering of others. The speaker acknowledges the existence of a potential brother who is hungry and a woman they might have loved who is resorting to desperate measures for survival. This juxtaposition emphasizes the stark divide between their own situation and the harsh realities faced by others. The repetition of "Here I sit with my belly full" serves to reinforce the speaker's awareness of their privilege, yet it also suggests a sense of guilt or complicity in the societal structures that allow such disparities to exist. The metaphor of success as a "great big beefsteak" symbolizes material wealth and satisfaction, but it also raises questions about the cost of such success. The speaker's enjoyment of their meal contrasts sharply with the hunger and desperation of those around them, prompting a reflection on the ethical dimensions of personal achievement. Ultimately, the work critiques the notion of success that is solely based on individual gain, urging a recognition of the interconnectedness of human experiences and the responsibilities that come with privilege. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the moral obligations individuals have towards one another in a society marked by inequality.
By Langston Hughes · First published 1945 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction · 122 words
First lines
Here I sit with my belly full And he who might have been my brother Walks hungry in the rain.
Here I sit with my belly full And she I might have loved Seeks someone in the shadows To whom she may sell her body.
Here I sit with my belly full, No longer the rain, No longer the shadows for the Woman I love, No longer hunger.
Success is a great big beefsteak With onions on it, And I eat.
What this Textopian page supports
Success is listed on Textopian as a poem by Langston Hughes, dated 1945 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Langston Hughes
- Date: 1945 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction, Existentialism, Realism
- Length: 122 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Social Commentary — The themes address social issues such as hunger, inequality, and human relationships.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex human emotions and societal conditions, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Existentialism — The poem reflects on existence, personal fulfillment, and the human condition.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century · African American · Autobiographical · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Social Commentary · Racial Tensions · Hope and Optimism · Resilience