America by Claude McKay

Reagan Starcher

Mrs. Parkinson
English III
3.7.16

Harlem Renaissance

The duality that existed in America can be learned from the writers of the Harlem Renaissance. The poem America by Claude McKay offers a unique and contrasting view of society. At a time while many were embracing the care-free lifestyle of the Roaring Twenties, other were struggling to escape the dark, and discriminatory consequences of the Jim Crow Laws. Both the love and hate that existed within America at the time is depicted throughout the poem. The negative view is revealed in the beginning when it reads, "Feeds me bread of bitterness." This statement means that although the country is providing for its people, there are limited rights and underlying problems for many individuals. The negative view transitions to analyze things from a more positive perspective of America. The statement, "I love this cultured hell..." shows that despite his disagreement with the inequalities in the country, he still loves it and the opportunities for future prosperity that exist. The duality of the poem reflects the contrasting lifestyles during this time period. This contrast speaks to the power of the writing and proves thoughtfulness by the author. We are able to learn from reading publishings from the Harlem Renaissance that this time was a breakthrough period for African Americans that helped them to regain hope in the country.