In the poem "Goodbye Christ" by Langston Hughes, the author says farewell to the figure of Jesus Christ. Hughes starts by acknowledging the influence that Christ had in the past, recognizing that "You did alright in your day, I reckon." However, he quickly declares that Christ's time has passed, and that the stories told about him, known as the Bible, are now dead.
Hughes suggests that Christ has been used and manipulated by powerful figures throughout history. He accuses religious leaders, popes, and preachers of profiting from Christ's image, selling him to "kings, generals, robbers, and killers." Even esteemed institutions like Rockefeller's Church and publications like THE SATURDAY EVENING POST are implicated in this exploitation.
The poet portrays Christ as worn-out and exhausted from being pawned off by those seeking power and wealth. He bids farewell to Christ, urging him to make way for a new era where religion holds no sway. Instead, Hughes celebrates individuals like Marx, Communist Lenin, and others who represent a more earthly and secular ideology. He asserts his own identity and autonomy, declaring, "A real guy named / Marx Communist Lenin Peasant Stalin Worker ME."
In the poem's closing lines, Hughes commands Christ to leave quickly, asserting his dominance over the world. He rejects the idea of being sold or controlled by anyone, whether they be kings, generals, or millionaires. Hughes envisions a future where he is in control of his own destiny, free from the influence of religious and political manipulation.
Overall, "Goodbye Christ" is a provocative and assertive poem that challenges traditional religious authority and celebrates individual autonomy. Through powerful imagery and straightforward language, Langston Hughes critiques the exploitation of Christ's image for profit and power, while asserting the importance of personal agency and independence.