The Balance of Security and Courage

“Gumption” written by Langston Hughes, is based on two opposing opinions expressed
by Oyster and Sylvester, who is the narrator. Sylvester’s wife Clara, is telling her friends
about how Oyster, a man who was well known in the town, was incarcerated for assaulting a
government official. Oyster’s son was a journalist who was applying for a position at the local
newspaper; he was not accepted due to the color of his skin, when he clearly qualified for the
job. In response to what happened to his son, Oyster goes to the town hall to request that
he receives the position Oyster feels he rightfully deserves. Oyster is consequently arrested
for getting into a physical altercation with the guard. Afterwards, Oyster’s son is arrested for
attempting to defend his father. After quite a while in jail, the father and son were released.
Although they had gained their freedom, their lives had lost order. Due to the length of time
they were confined, they no longer had a home. Oyster also lost his job over the length of time
and with their new criminal records, it became even more difficult for them to find work.



Sylvester, like the other men of the town, considers Oyster’s actions to have
been excessive. Clara feels that Sylvester should follow Oyster’s example and “go get
some ‘gumption’” or have some courage to demand equality. However, Sylvester believes
that “you can’t live on gumption,” proven by the Oyster family’s present state. The jobs that
the men already had were low status, and barely earned them sufficient pay. If Sylvester were
to protest anything he feels is not right, he would be risking his home and everything he has
worked for. Sylvester did not believe that he should jeopardize what he has to proclaim what
he should have.

This situation of security and courage was an issue for African-Americans all over the
United States. The average “colored” person was discouraged from acquiring their desires,
be it the career of their choice, a quality home wherever they choose to reside, and so on.
There were a few people who strived for equal rights, some such as Malcolm X, Steve Biko,
Marcus Garvey, Assata Shakur, but most didn’t out of fear. These leaders all had the bravery to
relinquish fear of consequences in order to create a better life for their families and the entire
African-American community. Their efforts had an effect on the people; however there were
those, like Sylvester, who feel that what they have should not be threatened.

In actuality, the conundrum of security and courage is universal amongst all people
at some point in their life, especially where employment is concerned. A person of any race
would have to cope with nepotism, where a person who is clearly more qualified for the job is
not accepted because the employer would rather hire a family member or a friend. Another
example is a woman who has a job, but is being harassed by her supervisor, and risks losing her
job by not responding.

The theme of the story is the idea that choosing between security and courage could
determine the type of person you are. Oyster stood up for what he believed was right, and
risked his well-being for it. Sylvester on the other hand, decided to retain his opinions in order
to preserve what he already has. This reveals the differences of these two men. However,
regardless of what was right and wrong, Sylvester had a better outcome than Oyster.

In the end, it is all a matter of personal belief. Some people may think that Oyster made
a respectable decision by rebelling against inequality. Others feel that Sylvester’s approach
was appropriate, by accepting what was given to him and not jeopardizing it. In reality, the
answer on if safety or pride is most important to partake is debatable. In my opinion, there is
no answer, and it all depends on what you as a person trusts to be wise.