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    Langston Hughes' short story "Cora Unashamed" explores the character of Cora Jenkins, an African American woman living in the early 20th century Midwest who refuses to conform to societal expectations of identity and role. Despite facing discrimination, Cora remains proud of who she is and rejects apologizing for her existence. She finds purpose through caring for her employer's daughter as a surrogate mother and in her suppressed musical talents, represented by a piano she is drawn to but prevented from fully accessing due to racism and sexism. Cora emerges as a symbol of resilience against oppression.

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    Langston Hughes' short story "Cora Unashamed" explores the character of Cora Jenkins, an African American woman living in the early 20th century Midwest who refuses to conform to societal expectations of identity and role. Despite facing discrimination, Cora remains proud of who she is and rejects apologizing for her existence. She finds purpose through caring for her employer's daughter as a surrogate mother and in her suppressed musical talents, represented by a piano she is drawn to but prevented from fully accessing due to racism and sexism. Cora emerges as a symbol of resilience against oppression.

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    Langston Hughes' short story "Cora Unashamed" explores the character of Cora Jenkins, an African American woman living in the early 20th century Midwest who refuses to conform to societal expectations of identity and role. Despite facing discrimination, Cora remains proud of who she is and rejects apologizing for her existence. She finds purpose through caring for her employer's daughter as a surrogate mother and in her suppressed musical talents, represented by a piano she is drawn to but prevented from fully accessing due to racism and sexism. Cora emerges as a symbol of resilience against oppression.

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    29 views1 page

    Untitled Document

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    vasiliavekiari
    Langston Hughes' short story "Cora Unashamed" explores the character of Cora Jenkins, an African American woman living in the early 20th century Midwest who refuses to conform to societal expectations of identity and role. Despite facing discrimination, Cora remains proud of who she is and rejects apologizing for her existence. She finds purpose through caring for her employer's daughter as a surrogate mother and in her suppressed musical talents, represented by a piano she is drawn to but prevented from fully accessing due to racism and sexism. Cora emerges as a symbol of resilience against oppression.

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    "Cora Unashamed" by Langston Hughes presents a profound exploration of identity,

    societal constraints, and the struggle for autonomy through the character of Cora
    Jenkins. As the titular character, Cora epitomizes the resilience and defiance of African
    American women in the early 20th century. Hughes utilizes various literary devices and
    symbolism to depict Cora's multifaceted nature and her journey towards self-realization.

    One of the most striking aspects of Cora's character is her name itself, which
    symbolizes her unyielding spirit and refusal to conform to societal expectations.
    Despite facing discrimination and prejudice in her small Midwestern town, Cora remains
    unashamed of her identity and refuses to apologize for her existence. This defiance is
    further underscored by Hughes's use of imagery, such as Cora's vibrant wardrobe and
    regal demeanor, which serve as outward manifestations of her inner strength and
    dignity.

    Moreover, Cora's role as a surrogate mother to Jessie, the daughter of her employer,
    symbolizes her nurturing nature and maternal instincts. Despite being denied the
    opportunity to have children of her own, Cora finds fulfillment in caring for Jessie and
    instilling in her the values of self-respect and independence. This relationship highlights
    Cora's resilience in the face of personal adversity and her ability to find purpose and
    meaning outside of traditional societal roles.

    Additionally, Hughes employs the motif of the piano as a symbol of Cora's suppressed
    desires and aspirations. Throughout the narrative, Cora is drawn to the piano in her
    employer's home, longing to unleash her pent-up creativity and express herself through
    music. However, societal expectations and racial barriers prevent her from pursuing her
    passion fully. The piano thus becomes a metaphor for the limitations imposed upon
    Cora by the oppressive forces of racism and sexism.

    In conclusion, Cora Jenkins emerges as a symbol of defiance and resilience in "Cora


    Unashamed," embodying the struggles and triumphs of African American women in the
    early 20th century. Through the use of literary devices such as symbolism and imagery,
    Langston Hughes paints a poignant portrait of a woman who refuses to be defined by
    society's expectations and instead forges her own path towards self-realization and
    empowerment. Cora's journey serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring strength
    and dignity of marginalized individuals striving for autonomy and dignity in the face of
    adversity.

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