Thursday, February 27, 2014

1st draft of reading response on poetr


Poems can be interpreted in many different ways. Many poems have many different meanings and "America" by Claude McKay is one of them. This poem is about how the author has a “love-hate” relationship with America.
The speaker talks about how hard it is for them to be in America, and all the challenges that are thrown at him/her.
An observation that supports my thesis is that the speaker loves America. For example, in the 4th line, they state, “I love this cultured hell that tests my youth” This quote shows that the speaker loves how America challenges them. This shows that even though America is being tough, the speaker still loves them. Another way that the author shows how the Speaker loves America despite the challenges, is by using literary devices such as similes, metaphors, personification, etc.
For example “Giving me strength against her hate”. This is an example of personification, because America cannot give strength. But this shows that the speaker loves America even though America hates them.
The speaker also believes that America has good and bad sides. For example, te speaker calls America a “cultured hell” but also says it is “priceless treasure” This shows that America has good and bad sides.

         In conclusion the speaker loves America despite all the hardships and challenges that are faced. This poem could be from the point of view of an immigrant, trying to make it in  America. I also think that the speaker think it is huge challenge to be in America despite how some people view living in America as an amazing opportunity.

No comments:

Post a Comment