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Harlem Renaissance and McKay's Poems: Analysis and Themes

Explore the significance of the Harlem Renaissance, Claude McKay's writings, and the themes of pride, courage, dignity, and passion in his poetry. Analyze his poems and create a theme-based collage.

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Harlem Renaissance and McKay's Poems: Analysis and Themes

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  1. Day 3

  2. Quick Review 1. Define the Harlem Renaissance. 2. Explain the significance of the Talented Tenth. 3. What is the “Great Migration?” 4. Why was the Harlem city the center of the Renaissance? 5. Explain Cullen’s use of an allusion in his poem, “Yet Do I Marvel.”

  3. Claude McKay

  4. Historical Context Racial tension between blacks and whites were high in the summer of 1919 One riot in Chicago left 38 dead and over 300 injured While on a railroad dining car, McKay and other African American workers feared being attached It was during this summer that McKay wrote this poem.

  5. Claude Mckay Born in Jamaica Came to the US when he was 22 Shocked by the country’s racial discriminations against African Americans, he began writing in hopes of promoting pride among his fellow people Lived in Europe and Africa during the Harlem Renaissance

  6. “America” • Explain the metaphor in the first two lines. • How does the oxymoron in line four demonstrate the reason McKay loves America still? • In your opinion, explain lines five and six in detail. • Why does the speaker refuse to return violence in lines nine-ten? • What treasures sink in the sand according to McKay? Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,And sinks into my throat her tiger's tooth,Stealing my breath of life, I will confessI love this cultured hell that tests my youth!Her vigor flows like tides into my blood,Giving me strength erect against her hate.Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood.Yet as a rebel fronts a king in state,I stand within her walls with not a shredOf terror, malice, not a word of jeer.Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,And see her might and granite wonders there,Beneath the touch of Time's unerring hand,Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.

  7. “If We Must Die” According to McKay, what should African Americans not do in the face of race discrimination? They should not give in the racist beliefs or allow themselves to be hindered in terms of their aspirations. They should rally. In what ways could a person gain their enemies’ respect? A person could present themselves as courageous and dignified even when oppressed. If we must die—let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursed lot. If we must die—oh, let us nobly die, So that our precious blood may not be shed In vain; then even the monsters we defy Shall be constrained to honor us though dead! Oh, Kinsmen! We must meet the common foe; Though far outnumbered, let us show us brave, And for their thousand blows deal one deathblow! What though before us lies the open grave? Like men we'll face the murderous, cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back!

  8. Theme What does McKay reveal about these topics? What insight into life is provided? Possible Themes “America” – When you have something that is precious to you, do not let it go because someone wants to take it away just tighten your grip. “If We Must Die” – Never cower in the face of oppression, boldly fight for what you are entitled to! What topics are explored in McKay’s poems? Pride Courage Dignity Passion

  9. Theme collage Consider the themes we discussed in each of MacKay’s poems. Using our class materials, (markers, construction paper, scissors, white typing paper, & magazines cutouts) create a collage based on one of these themes. You may also use www.muzy.com and create your collage online. Just add me so I can see your collage on my Muzy page. Locate pictures online or in the magazines that represents the theme your have chosen or have written. Below each picture, explain what the picture represents. All collages must include color, text, and neatness! You have the remaining of the class period to complete your collage.

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