America

Question

by Claude McKay

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, [5]
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. [10]
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.

"America" from Harlem Shadows: The Poems of Claude McKay by Claude McKay

Question
Use the poem “America” by Claude McKay to answer the question.

Which are two themes expressed in the poem? Select the two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

Fighting against injustice is necessary.
Fighting against injustice is necessary.

Patriotism leads to personal growth.
Patriotism leads to personal growth.

Coming of age includes conflicting feelings.
Coming of age includes conflicting feelings.

The symbols of America inspire change.
The symbols of America inspire change.

Time heals feelings of injustice.

Answer 1

The two themes expressed in the poem "America" by Claude McKay are:

1. Coming of age includes conflicting feelings. - The speaker expresses a deep and complex relationship with America, which includes both love and bitterness, symbolizing the conflicting emotions often experienced during the coming-of-age process.

2. Fighting against injustice is necessary. - The poem reflects the struggle against the injustices the speaker faces, highlighting the need to confront and challenge these injustices.

These themes capture the essence of McKay's exploration of identity, resilience, and the duality of love and pain in relation to America.