Suicide's Note by Langston Hughes
The poem opens with a serene image of a river, which symbolizes tranquility and the allure of escape. The speaker is drawn to the river, perceiving it as a comforting presence that invites intimacy. This initial calmness contrasts sharply with the underlying themes of despair and contemplation of suicide. As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on feelings of hopelessness and the burdens of life. The river becomes a metaphor for death, representing both an end to suffering and a seductive escape from the pain of existence. The speaker grapples with the weight of their emotions, revealing a deep sense of isolation and longing for peace. The imagery throughout the work evokes a sense of yearning and resignation. The river's calmness juxtaposes the speaker's inner turmoil, highlighting the conflict between the desire for life and the temptation of surrender. The poem captures the complexity of suicidal thoughts, illustrating how beauty and despair can coexist. Ultimately, the work serves as a poignant exploration of the human condition, addressing themes of alienation, the search for solace, and the struggle against overwhelming despair. The river, as a central symbol, embodies both the allure of death and the desire for liberation from suffering, leaving the reader to ponder the delicate balance between life and death.
By Langston Hughes · First published 1951 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Existential · 20 words
First lines
The calm, Cool face of the river Asked me for a kiss.
What this Textopian page supports
Suicide's Note is listed on Textopian as a poem by Langston Hughes, dated 1951 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: 1951 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Existential, Modernism, Symbolism
- Length: 20 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Suicide's Note by Langston Hughes
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Suicide's Note?
- How does this poem by Langston Hughes fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Song For A Suicide by Langston Hughes
- Despondency by Madison Cawein
- To F by Edgar Allan Poe
- The Cold Night by William Carlos Williams
- Some Things Are Dark by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Siege by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that employs concise language and imagery to convey deep emotions.
- Lyrical — The poem expresses personal feelings and reflections, characteristic of lyrical poetry.
- Existential — The themes of contemplation and the nature of existence are central to the poem's message.
- Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes through its focus on individual experience and emotional depth.
Tags
Poetry · Tragedy · Death · Loss · Grief · Suicide · Mental Health · Emotional Struggle · Inner Turmoil · Despair · Hopelessness · Darkness