America by Claude McKay
Storyboard Text
- Although she feeds me bread of bitterness, And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth,
- In the sonnet "America" by Claude McKay he personifies America as a woman. He criticizes America by using a metaphor of being fed "bitterness". Suggests that he has been treated poorly. He compares the country to a tiger. This implies that has been hurt by this country. Representing Americas violence that he has faced.
- I will confess I love this cultured hell that tests my youth.
- Despite this treatment he confesses that he still has love for this country. He considers what he endures is a test of his youth. Knowing that these are a test of his youth he proves to stand strong despite all he endures. He recognizes this as a love-hate relationship still calling the county a "cultured hell". This shocking descriptor can be seen as a way to describe how he feels constantly tormented by the country. He sees it as a flawed society.
- The theme of the sonnet America by Claude Mckay is perseverance. Despite what he faces he still stands strong in the country he lives in. He remarks about the ugliness of the country but reveres at the power the country holds. He believes in his own strength not to take down his country but stand against its trials. He knows that even with its power eventually it will suffer the fate of time. With this he is reassured and looks forward to the countries future.
- The use of assonance can be seen throughout the sonnet. It can be seen with the words "bitterness" and "confess" nearing their end syllables. They rhyme is created when their last syllables is stressed creating a rhythmic effect. It creates well paced rhythm that gives it a meaning when he chooses what words to focus on. When the syllable becomes stressed it causes the reader to focus on that certain part. Creating an impactful way to express his feelings throughout the sonnet.
- In line 8 a turn can be seen in the sonnet leading up to this point he appears to be accepting of the treatment he endures. He describes that he loves the county despite the various ways it may test his strength. Though this all changes when he marks a turn in line 8 with "yet". He makes it clear that he will not allow himself to take this treatment lying down. Making it clear to the reader that he will rebel against the country's ways that he wont be giving up.
- I stand within her walls with not a shredOf terror, malice, not a word of jeer.
- While he finds that America tears him down it also simultaneously builds him up. Within its walls he does not feel resentment for this country. He is able to reclaim his own power within the county. He still recognizes the country's power referring to its walls.
- Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.Beneath the touch of Time’s unerring hand,
- He suggests that with time America will also come to its own downfall. Sinking away with time soon to be forgotten. Despite the country's power he sees that time will also effect it eventually. Describing America as priceless treasures sinking into sand. It gives the sense that no matter what treasures America holds it will all be rendered useless in due time.
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