Analysing Works From The Harlem Renaissance

Analysing Works From the Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance, (1918-1937) one of the most powerful, influential movements in African American history was an artistic explosion and movement that had people rethinking what they knew to be true. It was the common belief at the time that African Americans were only skilled in being ‘novelty’ or ‘comical’; however, in this time period they defied that stereotype. Now, they started to claim the place they belonged in history. They used the pain of the past to motivate themselves to show the world who they really are. African Americans started conveying these messages through artwork and written pieces that were different to what was in museums at that time. Specifically, there are three pieces of art created by African Americans that demonstrate the theme of using the power of dreams to motivate people and bring a sense of

The theme is conveyed throughout the whole song with its uplifting tone and moving message. However, one of the two main parts that really shout that theme loud and clear are, “Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,” That part of the song emphasises the theme of using dreams and aspirations to motivate the future and to create a feeling of purpose in life. It does this by presenting the idea that African Americans used the pain of the past and turned it into hope for an enhanced future. The next line in the song is, “Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us”. This is saying that things are getting better and better and even though it’s not perfect, it’s still crucial to keep believing. They have done that not just in the Harlem Renaissance, but in the Great Migration just before World War 1, which brings us to our next piece, “The Migration