In his short-story “Early Autumn”, Langston Hughes manages to convey the idea that many writers need endless scores of pages to write. In just over a page the reader is put face to face with the problem of simply setting time aside to spend it with those who are close and dear for you. This universality of the story helps draw attention to the moral of it and opens up for the reader the message that the writer is sending forth. Everything in the short-story works together: the title, the setting, and the characters.
Not much attention is draw to the characters themselves. We do not know their appearance and can only guess their age. Both of them have common names: Bill and Mary. The author obviously does not want to concentrate attention on them, as the message of his story is universal and does not concern just these two people. The only thing we do know about Mary, is that she looks rather old. Perhaps the writer uses this comment to show that she is tired of her life and that it did not bring her the happiness that keeps you always young and beautiful.
The setting of the story perfectly reflects the feelings of the characters. It’s autumn. We can guess that it is at the least chilly outside, perhaps some drizzling rain. There is no longer the sunshine or the green around. So are the two people who meet. They are a bit worn out, the spark in their eyes is long gone, they are getting ready for winter, living their lives as they flow past them. The reader feels as if frozen in the moment, and so do the characters. The nature only supports this assumption. “The leaves fell slowly from the trees in the Square. Fell without wind. Autumn dusk” (Hughes).
There is not much action in the story. However, the impulsive movements of the characters reveal and intrigue the reader. “She lifted her face as though wanting a kiss, but he held out his hand” (Hughes). Just this simple habit shows how close these two must have been. Unfortunately they have grown apart. And the hand shake is like a verdict – there is no going back. Perhaps if the two had tried harder, if she had skipped the bus, if he had stopped her, perhaps then something might have been renewed. Because, after all, she did name one of her kids Bill.
The story is very well written and forms a complete image. The reader is submerged into the setting and cannot draw attention away from the two friends. One the edge of our seats, we await a reunion of two old friends. The disappointing ending is there to teach us all a lesson. Take time to spend with those who you love.
References
1. Hughes. Early Autumn. http://www.ogtprep.com/readings/reading8.htm Available: 09.06.11
