“From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen

“From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen was first published in 1927 as part of his second poetry collection, Copper Sun. This poem embodies the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural renaissance that took place among African Americans in the 1920s and 1930s. It confronts themes of racial injustice and oppression, yet simultaneously expresses a powerful undercurrent of resilience and hope for a brighter future.

Text: “From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen

We shall not always plant while others reap
The golden increment of bursting fruit,
Not always countenance, abject and mute,
That lesser men should hold their brothers cheap;
Not everlastingly while others sleep
Shall we beguile their limbs with mellow flute,
Not always bend to some more subtle brute;
We were not made to eternally weep.

The night whose sable breast relieves the stark,
White stars is no less lovely being dark,
And there are buds that cannot bloom at all
In light, but crumple, piteous, and fall;
So in the dark we hide the heart that bleeds,
And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds.

Annotations: “From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen

Line	Annotation
We shall not always plant while others reap	The speaker asserts that African Americans will not always be exploited and oppressed, forced to work hard while others benefit.
The golden increment of bursting fruit,	The “golden increment” refers to the profits and benefits of their labor, which are enjoyed by others.
Not always countenance, abject and mute,	The speaker refuses to accept the status quo of being silenced and oppressed.
That lesser men should hold their brothers cheap;	The speaker rejects the idea that some people are considered inferior and treated with disrespect.
Not everlastingly while others sleep	The speaker emphasizes that this state of oppression will not last forever.
Shall we beguile their limbs with mellow flute,	The “mellow flute” symbolizes a soothing and pacifying force, but the speaker refuses to be lulled into complacency.
Not always bend to some more subtle brute;	The speaker refuses to submit to oppressive forces, even if they are subtle or disguised.
We were not made to eternally weep.	The speaker affirms that African Americans are not destined to suffer forever.
The night whose sable breast relieves the stark,	The “night” represents the darkness of oppression, but also provides relief from the harsh realities of racism.
White stars is no less lovely being dark,	The speaker suggests that beauty and value can be found in darkness, just as in light.
And there are buds that cannot bloom at all	Some things cannot flourish in the harsh light of oppression.
In light, but crumple, piteous, and fall;	They wither and die in the face of racism and oppression.
So in the dark we hide the heart that bleeds,	The speaker suggests that in the darkness, they can find solace and hide their wounds.
And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds.	The speaker is nurturing the hope for a better future, even in the midst of suffering.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen

Literary/Poetic Device	Example in “From the Dark Tower”	Explanation
Alliteration	“Not always countenance, abject and mute”	Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words. Here, the repetition of the “c” sound in “countenance” and “cheap” emphasizes the contrast between the actions described.
Allusion	“From the Dark Tower”	An allusion is a reference to a well-known person, event, or work of literature. In this case, the title “From the Dark Tower” may allude to the African American experience of oppression and struggle.
Anaphora	“Not always plant while others reap”	Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It emphasizes the speaker’s point and adds rhythm to the poem.
Assonance	“The night whose sable breast relieves the stark”	Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. Here, the repetition of the long “e” sound in “relieves” and “bleeds” creates a melodic effect and adds to the poem’s musicality.
Consonance	“And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds”	Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within nearby words. In this line, the repetition of the “t” and “d” sounds in “wait,” “tend,” and “agonizing” creates a sense of resolution and finality.
Enjambment	“That lesser men should hold their brothers cheap; / Not everlastingly while others sleep”	Enjambment occurs when a sentence continues from one line or stanza to the next without a pause. It can create a sense of continuity and flow, as seen in these lines where the thought carries over from one line to the next.
Imagery	“The night whose sable breast relieves the stark”	Imagery refers to the use of descriptive language that appeals to the senses. Here, the image of the night’s “sable breast” evokes a sense of darkness and comfort, providing a vivid mental picture for the reader.
Irony	“We were not made to eternally weep”	Irony is when the intended meaning of a statement is different from, or opposite to, its literal meaning. Here, the speaker rejects the notion of eternal sorrow, implying that there is hope or resilience despite the challenges faced.
Metaphor	“And there are buds that cannot bloom at all / In light”	A metaphor is a figure of speech that implies a comparison between two unlike things. Here, the inability of buds to bloom in light is a metaphor for certain individuals’ inability to thrive or reach their full potential in favorable conditions.
Onomatopoeia	“Buds that cannot bloom at all / In light, but crumple, piteous, and fall”	Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sounds they describe. While not strictly onomatopoeic, the words “crumple” and “fall” evoke a sense of physical action, enhancing the imagery of the failing buds.
Personification	“The night whose sable breast relieves the stark”	Personification attributes human qualities to non-human entities. Here, the night is personified with a “sable breast,” suggesting a nurturing or protective aspect.
Repetition	“Not always… Not always… Not everlastingly”	Repetition is the recurrence of words or phrases for emphasis. The repetition of “Not always” emphasizes the speaker’s rejection of perpetual suffering and subservience.
Rhyme	“The stark, White stars is no less lovely being dark”	Rhyme is the repetition of similar sounds, usually at the end of lines in poetry. Here, “stark” and “dark” rhyme, contributing to the poem’s musicality and rhythm.
Simile	“And there are buds that cannot bloom at all / In light, but crumple, piteous, and fall”	A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using “like” or “as.” Here, the comparison of buds to individuals who struggle to flourish in favorable conditions adds depth to the imagery.
Symbolism	“The night”	Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts. Here, the night symbolizes darkness, which can provide solace or conceal pain. It may also symbolize the struggles faced by marginalized individuals.
Tone	The tone is contemplative and defiant.	Tone refers to the attitude or mood conveyed by the speaker. In this poem, the tone oscillates between contemplation of the challenges faced by the speaker’s community and a defiant rejection of perpetual suffering.
Allusion	“From the Dark Tower”	An allusion is a reference to a well-known person, event, or work of literature. In this case, the title “From the Dark Tower” may allude to the African American experience of oppression and struggle.
Hyperbole	“Not always bend to some more subtle brute”	Hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect. Here, the speaker exaggerates the idea of yielding to oppression by describing it as bending to a “subtle brute,” emphasizing the insidious nature of oppression.
Metonymy	“The golden increment of bursting fruit”	Metonymy substitutes the name of one thing with something closely associated with it. Here, “bursting fruit” represents the rewards or benefits reaped from hard work, emphasizing the abundance and richness of the harvest.
Oxymoron	“The night whose sable breast relieves the stark”	An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. Here, “sable breast” combines the darkness of night (“sable”) with the idea of comfort or relief (“breast”), creating a striking contrast.

Themes: “From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen

• Theme 1: Resistance to Oppression: The poem expresses a strong resistance to oppression, refusing to accept the status quo of racism and exploitation. The speaker asserts, “We shall not always plant while others reap / The golden increment of bursting fruit” (lines 1-2), emphasizing that African Americans will not always be forced to work hard while others benefit. The poem also rejects the idea of being silenced and oppressed, stating, “Not always countenance, abject and mute, / That lesser men should hold their brothers cheap” (lines 3-4).
• Theme 2: Hope and Resilience: Despite the darkness of oppression, the poem expresses a powerful undercurrent of hope and resilience. The speaker affirms, “We were not made to eternally weep” (line 8), suggesting that African Americans are not destined to suffer forever. The poem also finds beauty and value in darkness, stating, “The night whose sable breast relieves the stark, / White stars is no less lovely being dark” (lines 9-10).
• Theme 3: The Power of the Human Spirit: The poem celebrates the power of the human spirit to endure and overcome adversity. The speaker suggests that even in the darkness of oppression, there is a hidden strength, stating, “So in the dark we hide the heart that bleeds, / And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds” (lines 13-14). This theme is also evident in the poem’s use of imagery and metaphor, which creates a sense of hope and possibility.
• Theme 4: The Importance of Self-Worth: The poem emphasizes the importance of self-worth and self-respect in the face of oppression. The speaker refuses to accept the idea that some people are considered inferior, stating, “That lesser men should hold their brothers cheap” (line 4). The poem also affirms the value and beauty of African American identity, suggesting that darkness is not less lovely than light (lines 10-11). This theme is central to the poem’s message of resistance and hope.

Literary Theories and “From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen

Literary Theory	Application to “From the Dark Tower”	Example from the Poem
Critical Race Theory	Analyzes the poem’s themes of racial oppression, resistance, and self-worth	“We shall not always plant while others reap / The golden increment of bursting fruit” (lines 1-2) – highlights exploitation and resistance.
Postcolonialism	Examines the poem’s exploration of identity, culture, and power dynamics	“The night whose sable breast relieves the stark, / White stars is no less lovely being dark” (lines 9-10) – celebrates African American identity and challenges dominant norms.
Marxist Criticism	Interprets the poem’s themes of economic exploitation, class struggle, and social change	“Not always countenance, abject and mute, / That lesser men should hold their brothers cheap” (lines 3-4) – critiques capitalist exploitation and oppression.
African American Literary Theory	Considers the poem’s use of African American cultural expression, history, and experience	“So in the dark we hide the heart that bleeds, / And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds” (lines 13-14) – employs African American cultural imagery and themes of hope and resilience.

Critical Questions about “From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen

• Question 1: How does the poem use imagery and metaphor to convey the speaker’s experience of oppression and resistance?
  The poem employs vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the speaker’s experience of oppression and resistance, such as “We shall not always plant while others reap / The golden increment of bursting fruit” (lines 1-2), which uses agricultural imagery to illustrate exploitation. Similarly, “The night whose sable breast relieves the stark, / White stars is no less lovely being dark” (lines 9-10) uses celestial imagery to challenge dominant beauty standards and affirm African American identity.
• Question 2: How does the poem engage with the tension between hope and despair in the face of systemic oppression?
  The poem navigates the tension between hope and despair through lines like “We were not made to eternally weep” (line 8), which affirms the possibility of a better future, and “So in the dark we hide the heart that bleeds, / And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds” (lines 13-14), which suggests a painful but necessary process of nurturing hope. This tension reflects the speaker’s struggle to maintain hope in the face of oppression.
• Question 3: How does the poem challenge or reinforce dominant notions of race, identity, and power?
  The poem challenges dominant notions of race and identity through lines like “The night whose sable breast relieves the stark, / White stars is no less lovely being dark” (lines 9-10), which celebrates African American identity and beauty. Additionally, “Not always countenance, abject and mute, / That lesser men should hold their brothers cheap” (lines 3-4) critiques the dehumanizing effects of racism and oppression.
• Question 4: How does the poem’s use of language and form contribute to its themes and message?
  The poem’s use of language and form contributes to its themes and message through its employment of sonnet structure, which creates a sense of tension and resolution. The poem’s use of alliteration, assonance, and consonance, such as in “agonizing seeds” (line 14), adds to its musicality and emotional impact. The language also shifts between assertive and lyrical modes, reflecting the speaker’s shifting emotions and emphasizing the poem’s themes of resistance and hope.

Literary Works Similar to “From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen

1. “Yet Do I Marvel” by Countee Cullen: This poem, also by Cullen, explores similar themes of hope and resilience in the face of oppression and racism, using imagery and metaphor to convey the speaker’s emotions.
2. “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus: This sonnet, like “From the Dark Tower”, explores the idea of freedom and oppression, using powerful imagery to describe the Statue of Liberty and the hope it represents for immigrants coming to America.
3. “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes: This poem, like “From the Dark Tower”, explores the experiences and struggles of African Americans, using imagery and metaphor to convey a sense of resilience and hope.
4. “Sympathy” by Paul Laurence Dunbar: This poem, like “From the Dark Tower”, explores the idea of freedom and oppression, using imagery and metaphor to describe the longing for freedom and the pain of being trapped.
5. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou: This poem, like “From the Dark Tower”, explores the experiences and struggles of African Americans, using powerful imagery and metaphor to convey a sense of hope and resilience in the face of oppression.

Suggested Readings: “From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen

• Lomax, Michael Lucius. COUNTEE CULLEN: FROM THE DARK TOWER (HARLEM, NEW YORK). Emory University, 1984.
• Collier, Eugenia W. “I Do Not Marvel, Countee Cullen.” CLA Journal 11.1 (1967): 73-87. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44328232
• Saeed, Asmaa Mukaram. “Amiri Barka and Countee Cullen as Revolutionary Writers: A Close Reading in Selected Literary Works1.” International Journal of Research in Social Sciences 13.1 (2023): 373-376.
• Davis, Arthur P. “The Alien-and-Exile Theme in Countee Cullen’s Racial Poems.” Phylon (1940-1956) 14.4 (1953): 390-400.
• Jordan, June. “The Black Poet Speaks Of Poetry: A Column: Essay and Review of Countee Cullen’s Anthology,” Caroling Dusk”.” The American Poetry Review 3.3 (1974): 49-51.

Representative Quotations “From the Dark Tower” by Countee Cullen

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“We shall not always plant while others reap”	This line reflects the frustration of working tirelessly while others benefit without contributing. It speaks to the injustice of unequal distribution of labor and rewards.	Marxist Theory: This line highlights the exploitation of labor and the inequitable distribution of wealth, echoing Marxist ideas of class struggle and the need for collective action to address social and economic disparities.
“The golden increment of bursting fruit”	This phrase suggests the rewards or benefits that come from hard work and effort. It conveys the idea of the fruitfulness of labor and the satisfaction derived from seeing one’s efforts come to fruition.	Humanistic Psychology: This concept aligns with humanistic psychology, which emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the fulfillment of individual potential through meaningful work and achievement.
“Not always countenance, abject and mute”	This line challenges the notion of silent acceptance of oppression or subjugation. It calls for resistance and refusal to remain passive in the face of injustice.	Marxist Theory: This sentiment resonates with feminist perspectives, which advocate for the empowerment of marginalized voices and the rejection of submissive roles assigned by patriarchal structures.
“So in the dark we hide the heart that bleeds”	This metaphorical imagery suggests concealing pain or vulnerability behind a facade of strength or indifference. It speaks to the emotional toll of enduring hardship and suffering in silence.	Psychoanalytic Theory: This line reflects psychoanalytic ideas about defense mechanisms, such as repression or denial, used to cope with painful emotions or experiences, and the subconscious strategies employed to protect oneself from psychological harm.
“And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds”	This phrase underscores the perseverance and resilience required to nurture hope and potential amid adversity. It emphasizes the commitment to growth and transformation despite the challenges faced.	Existentialist Philosophy: This idea aligns with existentialist themes of finding meaning and purpose in the midst of suffering and uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of individual agency and responsibility in shaping one’s destiny.
“White stars is no less lovely being dark”	This line celebrates the beauty and value found in darkness or adversity, suggesting that even in the depths of despair, there is still beauty and worth to be found. It challenges conventional notions of light as inherently superior to darkness.	Postcolonial Theory: This sentiment resonates with postcolonial perspectives, which seek to challenge Eurocentric binaries and hierarchies by affirming the dignity and worth of marginalized cultures and experiences, even in the face of oppression and adversity.