As a student, I connected with Langston Hughes’ “Salvation” on a personal level. The narrator’s struggle to conform to societal and familial expectations resonated with my own experiences, as I’ve often felt pressured to meet certain standards, even when they didn’t align with my beliefs. The story’s exploration of the loss of innocence and the realization that adults can be deceptive and misunderstand us struck a chord, reflecting moments of disillusionment I’ve encountered. Additionally, the theme of grappling with cultural and religious identity spoke to the universal challenge of reconciling personal beliefs with external expectations, making “Salvation” a relatable and thought-provoking read for students like me.
Although I can relate to the narrator’s youthful infatuation and the excitement leading up to important events, my experiences differed in some key ways. Unlike the narrator, who idealized his crush and constructed elaborate fantasies, my own youthful crushes were typically less exaggerated and more grounded. Additionally, while I’ve faced moments of disappointment where expectations didn’t align with reality, these experiences were often learning opportunities rather than leading to profound disillusionment. The narrator’s intense disillusionment at the bazaar highlights the contrasting ways individuals navigate the complexities of growing up, showing that while we share some common experiences, our reactions can vary widely.
