One of the most significant authors and philosophers of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes, illuminates the realities of black Americans in Something in Common and Other Stories with a unique synthesis of lyricism, comedy, and compassion. His work was distinguished by its emphasis on the African-American experience and frequent discussion of racial, ethnic, and legal concerns. These tales provide a window into the racial tensions of the early 20th century and a look at the ordinary lives of working-class African Americans. Nevertheless, more than anything, they demonstrate Hughes’ faith in the fundamental humanity of every person, irrespective of race or denomination. These tales deal with issues that affect us, such as love, loss, hopes, and disappointments.
Thank you, M’am. “Thank You, M’am,” a young boy named Roger tries to steal a woman’s purse. She catches him and brings him to her home, where she feeds and cleans him up. She then lectures him about stealing, and he promises never to do it again (Hughes 3). Roger is granted a second chance despite his initial mistakes and gains insight from his experience, and the story supports the notion of redemption. The woman’s deed demonstrates that despite one’s circumstances, people always have good (Hughes 4). The woman’s kindness is evident when she feeds and shelters Roger. This story demonstrates that people may change and that there is always some good in people, regardless of their circumstances, lending reinforcement to the collection’s overarching theme.
Little Dog. In “Little Dog,” a white and frail middle-aged woman sacrifices her wishes to care for her mother out of propriety, obligation, and concern; yet, as her mother passes away, she is left alone and lonely, lending credence to the film’s central themes of love and compassion. She makes a costly purchase of a puppy for herself one day (Hughes 7). She makes arrangements with the apartment building’s janitor, but one day the janitor does not come to feed the dog. The picture juxtapositions and patterns in the story start to make sense after they hire a new janitor (Hughes 9). The black guy and his “beautiful little brown-black” children reside “downstairs,” in contrast to the white wife who lives “upstairs” with the “fuzzy white dog.” Beginning to serve Miss Briggs’ requirements, the sweet and loving black man brings more food than is suitable for the dog because he thinks she wants it and is being paid for it.
Little old spy. On the evening of his second day in Havana, after Cuba’s reactionary regimes, the author becomes aware that a small, former spy is following him. The Langston Hughes story “Little Old Spy” from the collection “Something in Common” lends credence to the collection’s overarching theme statement by demonstrating how people can cooperate and aid one another even when they appear to have nothing in common (Hughes 24). This deed of kindness demonstrates how people can band together and assist one another even when they appear to have nothing in common. This tale emphasizes the value of being watchful and aware of your surroundings. It also emphasizes the value of friendship and teamwork in achieving a common objective.
Conclusively, the stories selected in the book “something in common and other stories” are the following; thank you M’am, little dog, and little old spy. The story of “thank you, M’am” supports the theme of redemption because, despite his initial mistake, Roger is given a second chance and learns from his experience. In the story of a little dog, a woman has her sense of prudence, responsibility, and concern, sublimating her desire to care for her mother. However, a theme of racism is seen when the white woman living “upstairs” with the “fuzzy white dog” is contrasted with the black man and his “pretty little brown-black” children who live “downstairs.”.
Work Cited
Hughes, Langston. Something in Common, and Other Stories. Vol. 57. Hill & Wang, 1963.
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