* To expose the hypocrisy of organized religion: Hughes critiques the superficiality of the revival he attends and the pressure put on young people to conform to a specific narrative of faith. The adults in the story seem more concerned with appearances and numbers than with genuine spiritual growth.
* To explore the complexities of faith and doubt: Hughes grapples with his own doubts and uncertainties about religion. He describes feeling pressured to "find Jesus" and experiencing a crisis of conscience when he feels he must lie about having a religious experience.
* To highlight the pressure of societal expectations on African Americans: As a young black man in the Jim Crow South, Hughes faced immense pressure to conform to societal expectations and embrace a particular form of Christianity. The story reflects the complexities of navigating those expectations while trying to find one's own truth.
* To connect with a wider audience: While exploring personal experiences, the story's themes of faith, doubt, and societal pressure resonated with a wide audience beyond the African American community, making it a powerful and relatable piece of literature.
Overall, "Salvation" is a poignant and honest reflection on the complexities of faith, the pressures of conformity, and the search for individual truth. It serves as a powerful testament to Hughes's talent for exploring personal experiences through the lens of social commentary.