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Jazz, to me, is one of the inherent expressions of Negro life in America: the eternal tom-tom beating in the Negro soul - the tom-tom of revolt against weariness in a white world, a world of subway trains, and work, work, work; the tom-tom of joy and laughter, and pain swallowed in a smile.
Langston Hughes
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Jazz symbolizes the profound expression of African American life, reflecting both joy and struggle.

In this quote, Langston Hughes captures the essence of jazz music as an authentic expression of African American culture. He describes jazz as the heartbeat of the Negro experience, representing both the struggle against societal challenges and the ability to find joy and beauty in life despite adversity. It conveys the duality of laughter and pain, highlighting the resilience and creativity that emerge from a rich cultural heritage.

Themes

JazzNegro LifeExpressionResilienceCulture

In practice

Example use cases

During a presentation on the impact of jazz on American culture, this quote beautifully illustrates the connection between music and identity.

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