Question

The second line in the poem reads, “I am the darker brother.” What does that mean?

The speaker is from a mixed-race family.
The speaker is moodier than his brothers.
The speaker is an African American.
The speaker is an American citizen.

Answer 1

The line "I am the darker brother" suggests that the speaker is an African American. This line is often interpreted as a reference to the speaker's racial identity in contrast to a perceived lighter or different background, which can signify the historical and social dynamics related to race in America. Therefore, the correct interpretation is that the speaker is an African American.