Poem Analysis
How does Claude McKay characterize his allies? Provide a piece of evidence!
He characterizes them as heroic and strong
"Oh, Kinsmen! We must meet the common foe"
"Like men we'll face the murderous, cowardly pack"
"but fighting back!"
"So that our precious blood may not be shed in vain"
What global issue is this poem exploring?
Racial oppresion/oppresion in general
is the quote "If we must die - let it not be like hogs"
a simile or metaphor?
Simile
How does Claude McKay characterize his oppresors? Provide a piece of evidence.
He characterizes them as evil and power hungry monsters.
"we'll face the murderous cowardly pack"
"While round us bark the. mad and hungry dogs"
"then even the monsters we defy"
What global issue category does this poem fall under?
Identity, Community, Justice, Power, Culture
What is the rhythm and meter of this poem?
Iambic Pentameter
What is the tone of this poem?
The tone most prevalent in this poem is inspiration, bravery, and persistence.
Find a quote that highlights the global issue of oppression.
"Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot"
"While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursed lot"
"then even the monster we defy"
"We must meet the common foe; Though far outnumbered"
"Like men we'll face the murderous, cowardly pack"
What is the rhyme scheme of this poem and what type of sonnet is it?
Rhyme Scheme - A B A B C D C D E F E F G G
Type of Sonnet - English sonnet
What is the overarching theme prevalent in this poem?
The overarching theme prevalent in Claude McKay's "If We Must Die" is the call for resilience and bravery in the face of adversity.
Give a literary device Claude McKay used to emphasize the global issue of oppression. Also provide the line he used this literary device.
Internal rhyme - "Making their mock at our accursed lot"
Simile - "let it not be like hogs"
Imagery - "While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs" "let it not be like hogs hunted and penned in an inglorious spot"
What literary device is used between these two lines?
So that our precious blood may not be shed
In vain;
Enjambment
Give a specific instance of vivid imagery, and what it emphasizes in this poem.
"let it not be like hogs hunted and penned in an inglorious spot" - Emphasizes the feelings of entrapment felt by the oppressed.
"While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs" - Comparing the oppressors to mad and hungry dogs, emphasizing how they are hungry for power and this has driven them mad
Compare the global issue this poem explores with the global issues explored in either the white city or my native land my home. Give one similarity.
All three poems highlight racial issues and oppression. In My native land, my home it talks about colonial powers tainting his home land. In the white city McKay talks about the alienation experienced by immigrants which is a form of oppression.
What type of rhyme is "Making their mock at our accursed lot"
It is an internal rhyme!