Hughes's "Salvation"

Hughes incorporates man vs. society and man vs. self in his essay “Salvation.” He also includes rising and falling action, showing the conflict and resolution of the event.

To begin, Hughes uses man vs. society because of the expectation he feels from the fellow church members. Expectation had been building for weeks for a revival, during which time the children would be invited to join the “fold.” In addition to the “preaching, singing, praying, and shouting,” his aunt had spoken of it days beforehand. Then, he’s ushered to the front row of the church with the other children, in front of everyone else in the church. So instead of melding into the throng, they’re on display.

When he expects to see Jesus’s light, but then doesn’t feel or see anything, the conflict is enhanced by adding man vs. self. The rest of the children are standing up in their own time, either immediately or eventually. Soon, it’s down to just Hughes and another boy. Hughes is truthfully waiting to experience Jesus, but is fully aware of time slipping by and the group’s expectations. He keeps repeating, “It was very hot in the church, and it was getting late.” Older members are kneeling in front of him to pray fervently for him salvation. His aunt comes and kneels to cry over at his knees. The whole congregation was praying for just him in the end. He wanted to truthfully see Jesus, but he also wanted all the attention off him. He faced the pressure of succumbing to society’s expectations, but to do so he would have to lie to them and, in a way, to God… in a church.

Throughout all this, Hughes incorporates rising and falling action with the church’s noise and heat. The shouts and prayers and singing and rocking all build until he stands, then everything hushes. In the beginning, the readers see an explanation of events and building tension. The essay ends with silence during a cool night. Then Hughes is the one crying, but for not seeing Jesus. He also faces the prospect of continuing the lie to his aunt, who believes his tears are because of his salvation, and dealing with his inner turmoil of lying and lack of “proper” salvation.