Analyzing Arna Bontemps A Black Man Talks Of Reaping

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There are multiple viewpoints for every situation. Opinions made about the United States and its future are often associated with other attitudes that have once been acted out. In Arna Bontemps’ “A Black Man Talks of Reaping” and Claude McKay’s “America,” both poets show aspects of America, yet they have contrasting opinions of the situation. Still, Arna includes environmental metaphors and hyperbole to illustrate the harsh conditions African Americans have received, while McKay personifies the cruel circumstances with bold similes to suggest that he honors America for making him stronger. In Arna Bontemps’ poem, he uses environmental metaphors and hyperbole to clarify how brutal it was for African Americans to survive in America during the Harlem Renaissance. After working nightless hours reaping …show more content…

This human-like comparison proves that America not only tears down African Americans, but can provide them with a sense of urgency to fulfill their goals despite the worldwide hostility they are faced with. When persevering through adversity, McKay contests that despite America “stealing [his] breath of life, [he] will confess / [he loves] this cultured hell” (McKay 3-4). By exaggerating that America is “stealing [his] breath of life,” McKay implies that America takes away most privileges from the black community. In contrast, McKay takes all the negativity and uses it as an opportunity to soar higher than other people, showing he “[loves] this cultured hell” and uses the cynicism to his power. It is evident that McKay, in contrast to Bontemps, describes how to thrive with the horrific conditions through hyperbole and personification, contrasting Arna’s poem, which is dedicated to explaining how hard it is to live the life of an African

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