The essay “Salvation,” by Langston Hughes, is a quick, heartwarming essay that pairs nicely with a coming-of-age theme. When I use this essay in my college writing class, we discuss how Hughes captured a moment in his life that lasted only a few hours, yet it meant so much to him. When students have to write personal narratives, I encourage them to look for the small moments in their lives, rather than looking at the “Superhero” moments. Often young writers can find meaning in a smaller moment of their lives when their world changes, and these are the moments I want my students to write about. I include this essay in my syllabus every semester, and it always generates a meaningful discussion on growing up, using dialogue in essay writing, and figurative language.
