"Theme for English B" begins with some words of a college professor instructing his students to write a paper that "will be true." After this is said the speaker questions if this assignment is really "that simple." As he reflects on his life before writing his assignment, he enlightens the reader of his current status in America. He is a mere "twenty-two, colored" college student; more importantly he is the "only colored student" in his …showed first 75 words of 261 total…

…showed last 75 words of 261 total…true" feelings towards society, how some white people "don't want to be a part of me". He reflects on the present state of blacks in America, racism, and most importantly the oppression he feels as a black student stating that "white" people are "somewhat more free". I believe Hughes wrote this poem as a protest against racism. Through his speaker, Hughes desperately pleads with his readers to strive for a unified America free of racism.