Analysis of "Suicide's Note"

“Suicide’s Note” is unusually short in length, containing only twelve

words. However, the reader must look beyond the simplicity and reveal what

underlies each word. The author, Langston Hughes, felt no need for

complications. The message is delivered briefly, but successfully. Suicide is

an escape from undesirable circumstances and emotions.


The entire poem is an emotional coloring of the speaker’s desires. He

wants to be calmed, cooled, and embraced. The river invites him to indulge

in each desire for eternity. It will provide a joyful death away from his

dreadful life.


There is no need for drama in order to successfully deliver the purpose

to readers. Instead, the author chooses other methods of writing as valuable

means for achieving his purpose. He uses tone, sound repetition, careful

choice of diction, and personification to render it.




The title, “Suicide’s N...