McKay’s use of similes, irony, use of rhyme, and repetition of sounds all create a dark tone for America. Words like “bitterness,” hate,” and “sinking” give readers an idea of how McKay feels about life in America, but it is bittersweet, as he still loves the way it is. Throughout the poem, McKay leads readers to believe that he is leading towards a positive conclusion, only to be left realizing that there is no optimistic end for America.
In conclusion, Whitman and