The Difference Between Men and Women
Consideration of this topic is fraught with potential for metaphorical answers. Lots of writers (and exponentially more non-writers) have attempted to answer the question and McKay is no different. His conclusion does open him to charges of misogyny, of course, but that is almost certainly taking things too seriously.
“Men were ugly and brutal. But beside women they were merely vicious children.”
Killing an Arab…with Words
Right out of the gate, the author delivers one of his most striking metaphors. It is effective on two counts. One, it tangibly makes the scene come alive. And two, it gives insight into the mind of the character whose thoughts are being expressed:
“Apparently the Arabs thought that a sleeping quarters could also serve as a garbage can.”
Presbyterians…It Had to be Presbyterians
Not all Christians get off easy simply because by virtue of at least not being of another core religion. Presbyterian attending church on 130th Street in New York are endowed with protecting white Christianity from the invasion of black Christianity. The house of worship is also the spring of their moral courage which
“frowned on the corner like a fortress against invasion.”
Congo Rose
Congo Rose, a cabaret singer with a penchant for being treated roughly is often referred to as Rose, far less often as Congo Rose and more than a few times as the “mulattress.” One of these addresses in particular is a strikingly effective metaphor that sounds like it might (despite the outdated ethnic term) have come right out of one of his highly respected poetry:
“Like a lean, lazy leopard the mulattress reclined against Jake.”
Suzy and Strawberry Lips in an Argle-Bargle
Suzy, a prostitute who almost certainly knows enough about the place to give it an honest review, is engaged in a battle of borough defense with Strawberry Lips who adamantly insists that Harlem isn’t any better or worse than Brooklyn. Suzy respectfully disagrees and uses dainty figurative language to state her argument and close her case:
“This here Harlem is a stinking sink of iniquity. Nigger hell! That’s what it is…take me away from it!”
