“The Blues I’m Playing”
“The Blues I’m playing” written by Langston Hughes is an important story as it reveals an important message which touches the life of Africa-Americans artists in modern art. The short story mainly presents the relation between Oceola Jones (African American pianist) and Mrs. Dola Ellsworth (a white patron). There is a confrontation between the two women based on how they understanding the music. Mrs Dola understands that music is just an idea which comes out of everyday life and helps in earning a living while Oceola understands that music is a ‘pure art’ which comes from personal experiences and which serves various purposes in life. Up to that point, it is important to note that the story introduces race relation and white domination in modern art. Generally, the story explores the difference in pure and folk art, the African American culture and distinction between racist and social hierarchies.
There is a gap between Oceola and Mrs Ellsworth relationship in that Oceola mistrusts the white woman and keeps a distance to ensure that there is no bond which unites them (Tracy, 41). Mrs Ellsworth on the other hand reveals her negatives views on music and forces Oceola to leave the black community and culture as well. Oceola has firm principles based on the black community and racial. It is important to note that Mrs Ellsworth does not have the passion in training art and music but rather she is controlled by white domination (Tracy, 41). Though she improves Oceola skills and knowledge towards music and art, she interferes with her personal life and portrays negative attitude towards Oceola’s values. Up to this point, the author clearly presents an important message based on race and racism. Mrs. Ellsworth who represents the white culture introduces racism through placing Oceola in an inferior position (Tracy, 41). Mrs. Ellsworth presents an explicit classicist patronage by believing that black people are poor financially and that their social status requires refinement. The white women is interested in changing the Oceola’s life and this is against the Oceola’s will as she is interested in learning art and music. Mrs. Ellsworth is distasteful with black culture and believes that the American culture is superior (Tracy, 42). It is important to note that Oceola has the talent and values in musical traditions. On the other hand, Mrs Ellswotrth defines the American culture as universal. In literary analysis, it is clear that the author wrote the short story in 20th century and this period reflects the oppression of African-American(Tracy, 48). White and Black people could not interact due to race, gender and other cultural aspects. In this case, Mrs Ellsworth is unified with the white society and both women have negative views on meaning and role of art and music in life.
Other point in literary analysis which the author presents is art and beauty. First of all, it is important to note that in the music field, the author shows that artists struggle to understand the external world and the reality (Gale, 1). Oceola suffers with her personal identity and her life is filled with doubt and insecurity. Oceola believes that music from traditional aspect is a source of comfort and through music; she can find a better position in the world. This clearly shows that Music is part and parcel of education and apart from earning a living from it, music is objective in that it is expected to meet certain needs in the society and sometimes it can be used but on very rare chances to condemn evil in the society (Gale, 1). In Oceola’s life music acts as the ‘cable box’ where her music contains elements which are significant in bringing harmony and redemption to the condemned world (Gale, 3). Mrs. Ellsworth employs old school though and asserts that true art complies with traditional convections which portrays the artistic quality. However Oceola is not restricted by traditional convectional and presents her music and art with a purpose. Generally, the confrontation due to different views demonstrates the segregation in African Americans (Henson, 81). Remember that Oceola could not use the front door in a hotel the same way African American were segregated and discriminated by White people. They were denied the right to vote, to gain education and even they were being excluded in businesses. The appalling thing is that the racist practices were being introduced by the state government and other superior peoples (Henson, 83).
Conclusion
The short story reveals a powerful message which reflects the white dominion and the black American dignity and determination. The conflict arises as a result of diverse views on role of art where Mrs. Ellsworth defines art and music as a way of earning a living or in other words she has no passion in art but rather she values art for the sake. Oceola on the other hand concentrates on ‘pure art’ which conveys important message for family and community. Western culture is interested with classical music while African-American shows their interests in jazz and blues.The entire story makes it possible to introduce the literary analysis and argue that the author demonstrates the world of Black woman and how she suffers from racial stereotypes in trying to maintain her cultural norms.
Work cited
Gale, Cengage L. A Study Guide for Langston Hughes's ""blues I'm Playing"". Farmington Hills: Gale,
Cengage Learning, 2016. Internet resource.
Tracy, Steven C. A Historical Guide to Langston Hughes. Oxford [u.a.: Oxford University Press, 2004.
Print.
Henson K. Kristin. Beyond the Sound Barrier: The Jazz Controversy in Twentieth-Century American
Fiction. Literary Criticism and Cultural Theory. Routledge, 2013
