Personal Response to “The New Negro”
The writers in Harlem Renaissance had different opinions and different progresses in their writing. In the poetry of this period can be found very different strategies and viewpoints of the writers. Some were trying to represent their race to be equal to white; they were saying that they are as good as the white are, just whites had more opportunities and weren’t withheld to do what they wanted to.
The example of this type of writer is Countee Cullen. His poem, called “Yet Do I Marvel”, is based on the myths, religion and unfairness towards black people. There are many phrases in this poem that describe his misunderstanding of God, His acts, and the life he determined black people for. The writer is very curious throughout the whole poem. “Yet do I marvel at this curious thing: To make a poet black, and bid him sing!” are the lines that describe his curiosity the most. Even if he didn’t understand God, he hoped that everything will work out the best. Cullen compares black people to blind moles, as people who are struggling to find their ways and aims in their life. There are also some comparisons with mythological figures, as Sisyphus or Tantalus who were doing hard tasks given by the Lord, over and over.
The others had a different point of view; they were trying to create their own identity. The example is a poem written also by the writer from Harlem Renaissance. "The White House" is his expression of racism as something that occupied his life. The poet was called Claude McKay and he describes himself as sharp person, who became sharpened by very cruel racism in America. Throughout the poem, the writer tries to keep himself out of the poison, which is a symbol for racism in his life.
Something that these poems have in common is impact of religion and God on writer’s opinion and view of life.
“The New Negro” was the movement that inspired both writers I’ve mentioned before to write about their races. The styles of writings are totally different, and the poems have different morals. If I would have to choose between writer who is trying to get life better and the one who is continuously reflecting on the past and writing about the racist issues, my choice would be the first one. The reason I like him better is his more visible vision into the future. He tried to represent hope and faith, but at the same time the realistic situation of black people. Unlike him, the other poet talks about violent, anger and racism as a very painful point in his life that he can’t get over.
The writers in Harlem Renaissance had different opinions and different progresses in their writing. In the poetry of this period can be found very different strategies and viewpoints of the writers. Some were trying to represent their race to be equal to white; they were saying that they are as good as the white are, just whites had more opportunities and weren’t withheld to do what they wanted to.
The example of this type of writer is Countee Cullen. His poem, called “Yet Do I Marvel”, is based on the myths, religion and unfairness towards black people. There are many phrases in this poem that describe his misunderstanding of God, His acts, and the life he determined black people for. The writer is very curious throughout the whole poem. “Yet do I marvel at this curious thing: To make a poet black, and bid him sing!” are the lines that describe his curiosity the most. Even if he didn’t understand God, he hoped that everything will work out the best. Cullen compares black people to blind moles, as people who are struggling to find their ways and aims in their life. There are also some comparisons with mythological figures, as Sisyphus or Tantalus who were doing hard tasks given by the Lord, over and over.
The others had a different point of view; they were trying to create their own identity. The example is a poem written also by the writer from Harlem Renaissance. "The White House" is his expression of racism as something that occupied his life. The poet was called Claude McKay and he describes himself as sharp person, who became sharpened by very cruel racism in America. Throughout the poem, the writer tries to keep himself out of the poison, which is a symbol for racism in his life.
Something that these poems have in common is impact of religion and God on writer’s opinion and view of life.
“The New Negro” was the movement that inspired both writers I’ve mentioned before to write about their races. The styles of writings are totally different, and the poems have different morals. If I would have to choose between writer who is trying to get life better and the one who is continuously reflecting on the past and writing about the racist issues, my choice would be the first one. The reason I like him better is his more visible vision into the future. He tried to represent hope and faith, but at the same time the realistic situation of black people. Unlike him, the other poet talks about violent, anger and racism as a very painful point in his life that he can’t get over.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteGood post, but how do you feel about it? You have a good explanation for the statements but I miss how you feel about the movement. Good job and keep going!!
Hey!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that Cullen has faith that everything will work out for the best, and that McKay's poem expressed anger and pride simultaneously. But, did you also notice that McKay is trying to intimidate the white people with his poem? For example when he says "Deep in my wrathful bosom sore and raw, and find in it the superhuman power to hold me to the letter of your law!"