Harlem poet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Harlem poet - Essay Example Claude McKay, a Jamaican-American poet, expressed concern over the heightened tension that emanated from racism that existed in the 1920s. His role during the Harlem Renaissance had outstanding impacts on a number of readers of poems. Some of his poems were quite militant with the core objective of challenging the brutal leadership experienced by the blacks. He was of key contribution in condemning the leadership while expressing the challenges faced by the blacks to cope with the racial tension at that time. He is iconic for advocating for the consideration of humanity and fair treatment of the oppressed. The celebration of the traditions and heritage of blacks was a key characteristic of the Harlem Renaissance. One of McKay’s most celebrated pieces of literature include If We Must Die poem. The piece of work was a justification of the rights of the blacks, who at the time experienced serious exclusion and segregation (Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 2003). In the poem, he stated that blacks were confident to wage against the forces of tyranny given their resilience. He writes, in the poem, that blacks intend to â€Å"fight back† (Shmoop, 2010) even when facing death. The major theme that is evident is prejudice and abuse. He expressed the plight of the blacks and the brutal leadership that they experienced. Langston Hughes wrote inspirational poems during the period of the 1920s. He is prominent for his role in spearheading the upcoming literary appreciation during Harlem Renaissance. Through the poems, he encouraged the pleasure of the traditions of the blacks and their heritage. Among his inspirational poetic works was the poem, The Weary Blues. The theme of art and culture of the Negro is evident through the poem. He describes the relationship between art and culture as confusing and initiates weariness. The theme of race is evident from the poem, as well. The African