Patriotism and Criticism Combined: A Close Reading of "America" Marine Bruno College

Claude McKay, a now-celebrated poet who was active during the Harlem Renaissance, was often seen as a literary voice for social justice for African Americans. One of his most famous poems, known for describing his mixed feelings regarding America and American social norms, is “America.” Through the usage of personification, imagery, similes, and metaphors, McKay combines the literal meaning of his poem with his title “America” to convey to readers that his work is, indeed, about his country. “America” is a sonnet, as it includes three quatrains followed by a couplet and a rhyming scheme, that goes back and forth between positive and negative imagery to represent his feelings regarding America and American norms to show that although he loves and appreciate his country, there are key issues that are hurting many and that need to be addressed.

The first quatrain highlights McKay’s mixed feelings while setting the precedent of personification, imagery, and metaphors for the rest of the poem. The very first line itself, “Although she feeds me bread of bitterness” (McKay 1), can demonstrate his mixed feelings as he says that she is feeding him, thus showing his dependence upon America, but mentions that such provisions are bitter....