English 2158 UTA 2015 English
Throughout the past three hundred  years of African-American literature there have been certain themes and styles that come forth through the text. It can, at times, be difficult to completely define these styles in just a few words. It is crucial to understand these themes and styles otherwise you may not be able to fully interpret what the writer is trying to say. In this document I will be providing a few key words or phrases to help the average reader come to a better understanding of the overall style or theme a writer is trying to give off. I will be giving examples of how these phrases can be applied to fully immerse you in the writings of African American geographical Literature.•	North Star State of Mind – The mindset that moving from the rural American South to the Urbanized North will bring a better lifestyle.
o	Textual example: "...directing King Solomon’s fortunes toward Harlem. The land of plenty was more than that now; it was also the city of refuge." Rudolph Fisher, "City of Refugee"•	Urban Poverty – The state in which many poor people in the Urbanized north lived in. Such as cramped spaces, shambled houses, etc.
o	Textual Example:  "Landlord Landlord, My roof has sprung a leak...These steps is broken down. When you come up yourself it's a wonder you don't fall down." Langston Hughes, "Ballad of the Landlord."




•	Running Brain – The inability to trust anyone out of fear of being returned to a worse lifestyle. For example, a runaway slave that can no longer trusts anyone with their secret, even African Americans.
o	Textual Example: "...immediately after my arrival at New York, I said I felt like one who had escaped a den of hungry lions. This state of mind, however, very soon subsided; and I was again seized with a feeling of great insecurity and loneliness. I was yet liable to be taken back, and subjected to all the tortures of slavery... in the midst of thousands of my own brethren--children of a common Father, and yet I dared not to unfold to any one of them my sad condition." Frederick Douglas Autobiography pages 107-108





•	Harlem Hope – The concept that living a rural poverty stricken area such as Harlem your dreams, hopes, and ambitions may be at a disadvantage of coming true. This would be the result of being born into a violent society while already being discriminated against.
o	Textual Example: " What happens to a dream Deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore -- and then run?" Langston Hughes' "Harlem".




•	Northern Courage - the rare incident where a White Northerner, during times of slavery, stands up for a person of color or a former slave.
o	Textual Example:  " ' I am very well aware of it. It is imprisonment and one thousand dollars fine. Shame on my country that it is so! I am ready to incur the penalty. I will go to the state's prison, rather than have any poor victim torn from my house, to be carried back to slavery.' The noble heart! the brave heart!" Harriet Jacobs, "Incidents in the Life of A Slave Girl".




•	Black Perseverance - The determination of the African American community to continue to dream and hope even when faced with discrimination.
o	Textual Example: "I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh and eat well, and grow strong. Tomorrow i'll be at the table when company comes. Nobody'll dare say to me "Eat in the Kitchen," then. Besides they'll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed -  "I ,too, am America."   Langston Hughes,  I,Too