Claude Mckay's Poems: The Lynching And After The Winter

Claude McKay was a skilled poet known to most for his significance in the Harlem Renaissance. He began writing poetry in his late teen years to express his feelings toward the world around him- his views on racism, loss, love, and beauty. His poetry is known for its simplicity yet deep meaning, and his works were a key factor to the shaping of the Harlem Renaissance. Two specific poems by Claude McKay revealed to me his ability to capture two different ideas written in similar language: The Lynching and After the Winter. Though the poems discuss very different issues and portray their own distinct imagery, the language that the author uses results in them being similar. Both written by Claude McKay, The Lynching and After the Winter are two very different pieces that show two very different perspectives and moods, yet share

It gives the reader a sense of hope and happiness. The narrator is dreaming about what he wants to do after the cold, miserable winter is over.The author uses imagery to describe the lush fields and paradise-like setting that the narrator is imagining- the “ferns that never fade” and the “…quiet hill /Where towers the cotton tree”. Personification also plays a role in building up the cheerful and blissful mood. The place that the narrator is recounting has “wide- mouthed orchids that smile” and a “laughing crystal rill”, both of which are positive descriptions. Adjectives describing beautiful settings, such as the “open glade” and “summer isle”, add to the bright, cheerful mood. The rhythm of the poem is almost in a song form- every other line is short, and when read aloud this changes the pitch of your voice and further contributes to the message of hope that the poem shares. There is one break in the poem, separating it into two stanzas- this break is peaceful, almost like a sigh in the middle, which further implies the message of hope, bliss, and