“America” by Claude McKay: A Critical Analysis

Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,

And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth,

Stealing my breath of life, I will confess

I 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 shred

Of 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.

1. Marxist Literary Theory

Overview: Marxist literary theory focuses on analyzing literature through the lens of social and economic power structures, particularly exploring how class struggles are depicted and how they reflect or challenge the dominant ideology.

Application to “America” by Claude McKay:

1. Class Struggle: McKay explores the class struggle within America through the imagery of oppression and resistance. For example, the line “Although she feeds me bread of bitterness” highlights the exploitation and suffering experienced by the lower classes.
2. Critique of Capitalism: The portrayal of America as a “cultured hell” reflects McKay’s critique of capitalism and its impact on individuals. The poem suggests that the pursuit of wealth and power leads to spiritual and moral degradation.
3. Revolutionary Potential: McKay’s depiction of the speaker’s defiance (“Yet, as a rebel fronts a king in state”) hints at the revolutionary potential of the oppressed. The poem suggests that despite the challenges, there is potential for resistance and change.

2. Postcolonial Literary Theory

Overview: Postcolonial literary theory examines the ways in which literature reflects and responds to the legacy of colonialism, exploring issues such as identity, power, and cultural hybridity.

Application to “America” by Claude McKay:

1. Colonial Legacy: McKay’s portrayal of America as both alluring and oppressive reflects the complexities of colonial legacies. The speaker’s conflicted feelings toward America mirror the ambivalence felt by colonized subjects toward their colonizers.
2. Cultural Identity: The poem explores the tension between cultural identity and assimilation. The line “I love this cultured hell” suggests a struggle between embracing American culture and retaining one’s own cultural identity.
3. Resistance and Subversion: McKay’s poem can be seen as a form of resistance against cultural imperialism. By critiquing America’s oppressive aspects, McKay asserts the importance of preserving one’s cultural heritage and resisting assimilation.

3. Psychoanalytic Literary Theory

Overview: Psychoanalytic literary theory examines literature through the lens of psychoanalytic principles, exploring themes such as the unconscious, desire, and repression.

Application to “America” by Claude McKay:

1. Repression and Desire: The speaker’s conflicted emotions towards America can be interpreted as a manifestation of repressed desires and anxieties. The love-hate relationship with America reflects the unconscious conflicts within the speaker.
2. Father Figure: America can be viewed as a symbolic father figure in the poem, representing authority and power. The speaker’s defiance can be seen as a rebellion against this paternalistic authority.
3. Trauma and Memory: The imagery of “bread of bitterness” and “tiger’s tooth” evokes themes of trauma and memory. The poem explores how past experiences of oppression continue to influence the speaker’s psyche and worldview.

·       “I, Too” by Langston Hughes

• Reason for Similarity: Like McKay’s “America,” Langston Hughes’ “I, Too” explores themes of identity, belonging, and resistance against racial oppression in America. Both poems convey a sense of defiance and resilience in the face of discrimination, asserting the speaker’s humanity and right to equality.

·       “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes

• Reason for Similarity: Hughes’ poem, similar to McKay’s work, delves into themes of African American identity and heritage. Both poems use powerful imagery and symbolism to explore the deep connection between the speaker and their cultural roots, highlighting the richness and resilience of African American history despite adversity.

·       “Harlem” by Langston Hughes

• Reason for Similarity: Another poem by Langston Hughes, “Harlem,” shares similarities with McKay’s “America” in its exploration of the African American experience and the deferred dreams of marginalized communities. Both poems express the frustration and disillusionment of African Americans living in a society that denies them opportunities and equality.

·       “Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes

• Reason for Similarity: Hughes’ poem, “Let America Be America Again,” resonates with McKay’s “America” in its critique of the American Dream and its failure to fulfill the promises of liberty and justice for all. Both poems challenge the idealized image of America, exposing the hypocrisy and injustices embedded within the nation’s history and society.

·       “Theme for English B” by Langston Hughes

• Reason for Similarity: Hughes’ poem “Theme for English B” shares thematic similarities with McKay’s work by exploring the complexities of racial identity and belonging in America. Both poems reflect on the experiences of African Americans navigating cultural, social, and educational systems that are often biased and exclusionary.