The Characterization of Jesse B. Semple--A Cracker-barrel Philosopher

摘要

Jesse B.Semple,the protagonist in Langston Hughes’s Simple stories is replete with humor.A close examination of the characterization of Simple,some common humorous features can be found.One essential humorous technique is cracker-barrel philosophy.Focusing on several stories in Simple Speaks His Mind,this paper analyzes Hughes’s humorous characterization of Simple as a cracker-barrel philosopher.