Poetry+Analysis

In “America” by Claude McKay, the author uses diction to create a mood of bitterness that progress to determination. In the first sentence he states, “Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,” (1) This suggests the author believes that America does not want him here. He then says, “And sinks my throat her tiger’s tooth,/ Stealing my breath of life,” (2-3) He is saying that America is trying to kill him; that it is trying to get rid of him. His mood then changes to determination saying, “Yet, as a rebel fronts a kings gate,” (8) He continues with “I stand within her walls with not a shred/ Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer.” (9-10) These lines say he will fight peacefully for his freedom and never give up or utter “a word of jeer.” (10) He finished with the sentence “And I see her might and granite wonders there,” (12) He can see the light at the end of the tunnel and is awed by how amazing it is.
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