The depiction of human relations in Langston Hughes's short stories : “Thank You M'am” and “A Slave on the Block”

Abstract EN

Human relations are often portrayed in literature in the form of the conflict between various forces represented by the characters.

At other times, it is a conflict within man himself.

Yet, conflicts in human relations are not always a matter of good and evil.

Furthermore, conflicts may arise because of a certain misunderstanding which may lead to arguments and disputes.

On the other hand, human relations are manifested through help and initiation suggested by one side and the reaction by the other side.

Such relations will lead to understanding and social uplift.

Langston Hughes's short stories tackle many issues: racism, poverty, and human relations that are portrayed to show the various responses of characters.

The current study explores the bright side of human relations represented by Hughes's short story “Thank You M'am” but it investigates the dark aspect of human relations in Hughes's “A Slave on the Block” where disappointment is caused by the misunderstanding which happens in spite of good intentions