The Little Frightened Child
A young Black child from the South enters a predominantly white school in the North, feeling apprehensive and isolated. Initially, the white children are friendly, but their demeanor shifts as they begin to mock and insult him, using racial slurs. This bullying exacerbates the child's fear and sense of alienation. The Black children at the school also turn against him, further deepening his loneliness. The child, characterized by his dark skin and distinctive white collar, embodies the struggles of navigating a racially charged environment. The narrative explores themes of identity, fear, and the impact of racism on a young mind, highlighting the emotional turmoil of a child caught between two worlds. The story reflects on the innocence of childhood juxtaposed with the harsh realities of societal prejudice, ultimately portraying the profound effects of discrimination on personal development and self-worth. The child's experience serves as a poignant commentary on the broader social issues of race and belonging, illustrating the complexities of childhood in a divided society.
By Langston Hughes · First published 1951 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Children's Literature · 80 words
First lines
A little southern colored child comes to a northern school and is afraid to play with the white children.
At first they are nice to him, but finally they taunt him and call him "nigger."
The colored children hate him after a while, too.
He is a little dark boy with a round black face and a white embroidered collar.
What this Textopian page supports
The Little Frightened Child 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: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Children's Literature, Coming-of-Age, Drama
- Length: 80 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Little Frightened Child 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 The Little Frightened Child?
- How does this poem by Langston Hughes fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of race, identity, and childhood experiences, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Social Commentary — It addresses social issues such as racism and segregation, providing critical insights into societal dynamics.
- Children's Literature — The protagonist is a child, and the narrative is accessible to younger audiences, fitting the children's literature genre.
- Coming-of-Age — The story reflects the challenges of growing up in a racially divided society, highlighting the protagonist's emotional journey.
Tags
Poetry · Childhood · Fear · Emotion · Psychological · Inner Conflict · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Alliteration