Sexuality
McKay’s novel Home to Harlem may be regarded as an apotheosis of sexuality – night clubs where one-night stands aren’t uncommon are present on almost every page of the novel. Harlem is the place where the rhythmic dances and sexual encounters are put on a pedestal. The notions of homosexuality suggest that one’s sexual orientation isn’t a taboo subject anymore. By emphasizing the overly sexual side of Harlem, the novel doesn’t idealize it, but offers a critical view upon its inhabitants, many of whom are defined by their sexual drives.
Education
A turning point in the novel is the encounter between Ray and Jake. Ray is the character who strives for intellectual power and knowledge and this is what distinguishes him from all other characters in the novel. By creating this contrast, McKay’s novel reveals the problem of poor education within the African-American community in the beginning of the 20th century. However, there’s also place for hope left for the reader as the protagonist Jake is eager to learn from Ray and manages to leave Harlem eventually.
Color
The glorification of color is one of the significant topics in Home to Harlem. Dark-brown, yellow, olive – every color is described as beautiful and is a part of the African-American vivid identity. By expressing his wish to live in a place where blackness is seen as attractive, Jake introduces one of the aims of the Harlem Renaissance – to obliterate the inequalities between the races and the negative view on darker skin.
Gender
Gender is also a problematic topic touched upon in the novel. Although the women are allowed to work and also often provide for their men, they either work as prostitutes or cabaret singers. Women are given an even smaller opportunity to become educated and have a prestigious job than men. In regard to gender, the book is just as critical as in regard to race and calls for change regarding both topics.
Music
Music is one of the dominant features of the Harlem way of life. Singing and dancing are an obligatory part of the daily routine and shape the black identity. The era of jazz emerges in the night clubs and affects not only the African-Americans but also the white visitors. This vitality of Harlem is what attracts and lures people into its well-lighted streets.
