Early Autumn

This study guide will help you analyze the short story “Early Autumn” (1950) by Langston Hughes. You can also find a summary of the text, as well as inspiration for interpreting it and putting it into perspective.

"Early Autumn" is an enchanting poem that takes readers on a journey through the delicate splendor and heartfelt emotions of the initial days of the fall season. As the vibrant summer fades and the leaves change color, the poem encourages us to appreciate the serene beauty and soothing tranquility of early autumn. By painting vivid images of nature's transformation, the poet invites us to slow down and contemplate the fleeting, yet timeless, moments in our lives.

Excerpt from the study guide:

A short flashback offers further hints about the relationship. In the flashback, it is revealed that Bill and Mary first met in Ohio and that Mary is much older than Bill.

The short story reaches its highest point when Mary tries to ask Bill something before getting on the bus. However, because there are so many people around and the bus is already in motion, Bill cannot hear her:

‘When…’ she wanted to say, but the bus was ready to pull off. The lights on the avenue blurred. And she was afraid to open her mouth as she entered the bus. Afraid it would be impossible to utter a word.
Suddenly she shrieked very loudly, ‘Good-bye!’ But the bus door had closed.

This moment is anticlimactic, as Mary is unable to achieve closure with Bill. Even when she tries to say goodbye to him in a proper way, she fails as Bill cannot hear her.

The ending shows that the conflict between Mary and Bill remains unresolved and that they will probably never see each other again, as they forgot to exchange addresses. The ending also contains a plot twist. Mary’s youngest son is also named Bill, which shows that Mary has not moved on from her relationship with Bill.