Analysis On Claude Mckay

From different parts of the reading this week, we learn that Claude McKay was often considered one of the more militant voices throughout the Harlem Renaissance. When I read of people being likened to terms such as “militant", I often wonder if the title is one that is deserved. After reading his poetry I am not sure that I see a militant man in the sense that I thought I might; what I do see though, is someone whose will was strong. I read the words of a man who was enlightened enough to realize that the freedom train wouldn’t take him anywhere until he hopped aboard it.

In his poem “America”, Mckay writes of being torn between dueling feelings of both love and hate. He wrote, “I love this cultured hell that tests my youth!” ( ). He uses the word cultured to display the vast duality of a country that stands for freedom and humanity but bestows oppression and enmity. He too is displaying duality in his love and hate. He does not love being tested; he loves the strength in himself that has been uncovered through the constant measuring of his character. After all, what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.

I found that each one showed insight into a man with a very strong constitution. My favorite line this week was from the poem “If We Must Die”: he wrote, “Like men we’ll face the murderous cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back” ( ). I found this line interesting because I think it displays a proof in words, that the history books display, but don’t always spell out for the reader; during times of warfare, you never, ever, chase a man into a corner. He will feel he has nothing to lose, and a man with nothing to lose is a formidable opponent who will fight to the