moved to the U.S. where he spent most of his years writing. Claude quickly learned that racism was a social norm and segregation was a none to be a part of life. The poem “If we must die” on page 1005 vol.1. “If we must die‚ let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot‚”. Was understood to be written towards the white man‚ to show the fact is‚ they are not fighting for survival; they already know they will die. This poem is a great example‚ showing how racism was a huge factor on
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It is popular consensus that Claude McKay was an influential intellectual leader during the Harlem Renaissance‚ however‚ many people dispute Claude McKay’s writing prose as well as his personal literary itinerary in regards to African American matters‚ which raises the question‚ “Assertive? Or offensive?” Is it possible to declare assertion without being offensive? These are just a few questions which developed while reading the profile of Claude McKay in addition to a few of his publications‚ in
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frequently by both white and black newspapers. Claude McKay was all too familiar with the situations that came about from this ongoing race war. One of his more well-known poems‚ “If We Must Die”‚ was published during the summer of 1919‚ better known as the “Red Summer”. This name was given for this time period to symbolize the blood of the many people that we killed. This poem expressed what many were unable to speak‚ but knew they needed to hear. McKay wanted his brethren to rise up and defend themselves
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Must Die By: Claude McKay If We Must Die‚ by Claude McKay is a sonnet written during the Harlem Renaissance period; a period where there was a flowering of African-American literature and art‚ (1919- mid 1930s). Though the Harlem Renaissance period was a time of thriving people and culture in the African-American community‚ prejudice was still very much active; something African-Americans knew first hand. There was still much discrimination put against them; something that this poem happens to exhibit
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The poem is primarily about the racism Africans face in the world. Africans should not be treated as though they are inferior; they deserve respect and honor. No matter what others say‚ Africans are ready to fight for their rights. In this poem‚ ‘If We Must Die’‚ his use of imagery and word choice contributes to the overall theme of justice for minorities.At first glance‚ this poem may seem as though it will preach about seizing the day and achieving what you want in life. However‚ once the poem is
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I used the poem titled‚ America by Claude McKay as my inspiration to write my own poem called Institution based off my experience in school. I used the literary elements and techniques of the poem to use as influence for mine. For example‚ I used the rhyme scheme‚ syllable count‚ and line count that had been used in McKay’s poem‚ in mine. My poem is exactly 14 lines long‚ ten syllables per line and has a rhyme scheme of A‚ B‚ A‚ B‚ like the McKay’s poem. Using similar techniques helped me to convey
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literary works. As the famous poet and author Claude McKay says “If a man is not faithful to his own individuality‚ he cannot be loyal to anything.” This is what makes Claude McKay such an impactful author during his time. Claude McKay’s acquaintance with the mix of two world’s‚ Jamaica and America‚ have an impact of his works such as “If We Must Die”‚ “America”‚ and “The Harlem Dancer” by
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significant poem by Claude McKay’s "If We Must Die"‚ he was a Jamaican-American author who advocated black self-determination and believed that African-Americans should rely on themselves to become independent and free. He was born on September 15‚ 1889‚ and died on May 22‚ 1948. McKay’s poem presents a significant material in comparing and contrast a good impression of his belief. And also my point of view and my personal experiences on his poem’s "If We Must Die". Throughout the poem‚ he states
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more‚ all originated from this extraordinary movement. Claude McKay is one of the most legendary authors that contributed the Harlem Renaissance. McKay wrote many iconic pieces. To name a few‚ he wrote poems titled‚ “If We Must Die”‚ “Harlem Shadows”‚ and “America”. By doing the impossible and being heard when he could not speak‚ Claude McKay has used his voice for social justice and has changed the world for the better. Festus Claude McKay was born September 15‚ 1889‚ in Sunny Ville‚ Clarendon
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Abstract The following paper focuses on the two poets of the Harlem Renaissance – Claude McKay and James Weldon Johnson. Their role and importance within the literary movement is identified‚ and the major themes of their poems‚ If We Must Die and The Prodigal Son are highlighted. Harlem Renaissance Poets The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned unofficially form 1919 to the mid 1930’s. The “Negro Movement” as it was then called‚ heralded the zenith of modern African literature
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