StudyHub

“Salvation” by Langston Hughes
Purpose: 
To gain an understanding of the various elements in the short story,
“Salvation” and provide an understanding of the role of religion and faith in
one’s life through this story and comparing it to others.  
This will be done through an analysis of story elements
and synthesis of themes seen in the stories read to far.  
Directions: 
in a two to three  page essay, answer one of the following
questions.  Please use quotations from the stories where
appropriate.   
1.    What does it mean to be “saved”? What is the
young Langston’s understanding of being
“saved”?
2.    What is Langston’s expectation in “seeing the
light” and having “Jesus come into my life”?
3.    How is faith understood by the congregation
(the adults) in comparison to the children?
4.    What is the purpose of a revival? Is this
appropriate for young children?
5.    What are the religious symbols present in this
story? How do they add to Langston’s confusion?
6.    What are the consequences of not “seeing the
light”? Have some Christian values been inculcated by Langston?  How do
these values play in his life?
7.    Compare and contrast religion as seen in
“Salvation” with religion as seen in “Eveline.” Are there any similarities and
differences between the use of religion in these two stories?
8.    What is the significance of Langston’s
reaction at the end of the story?
Irony is
a rhetorical device which appears on the surface to be what is happening but is
radically different from what is actually occurring.
For example:
On the child’s first day of school, the little boy repeatedly
told his mother how happy and thrilled he was to start school while a pained
expression covered his face all the way to him being dropped at the front of
the school.  
9.    Where is the irony in “Salvation”? How does
the young Langston’s youth and immaturity contribute to his not being
“saved”? 

Expert Help With This Assignment — On Your Terms