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The White House Mckay Analysis

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The White House Mckay Analysis
The topic of segregation has been heavily debated for many years, and it still is today in our society. Dating back to the Civil War and the events that spurred after it, African Americans have consistently faced obstacles to gain the acceptance of Americans, and there has been no significant progress made towards gaining equal opportunities for everyone. The White House by Claude McKay was written in 1922, during a time when African Americans were not thought of as equals with white Americans. McKay uses symbolism and metaphors to effectively discuss the fact that African Americans are consistently facing oppression and are discriminated against, and that there needs to be change made to restore equality.

The author blends together symbols and metaphors to create an underlying theme of the recurring racism many face in society. McKay …show more content…
These “doors being shut” is a metaphor for these possibilities being snatched from them. Because of this, they are not able to live up to the American Dream they came to the U.S. to achieve, and McKay shows disgust with the middle-class Americans.The “tightened face” being “sharp as steel” symbolizes the composure African Americans are trying to keep in spite of the oppression being set forth by the American people and their government. He is angered with their hypocrisy, and wishes to promote the resilient images of African Americans despite the false pretenses the Americans present. Towards the end of the poem, McKay says, “Oh, I must keep my heart inviolate Against the potent poison of your hate,” to show that the recurring racism is leaving a dark effect on many people, including the African Americans. The closing of the poem shows that the author / narrator wishes to not be a part of the ongoing violence and racism in
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