Read Claude McKay's "America" carefully. Be prepared to discuss the message interwoven within the lines of this poetic piece. What is Claude McKay's message, specifically as it relates to the "American Experience?" Is it always a positive one? Does American encapsulate the essence of survival, division, pain, perseverance, and/or stagnancy. As always, you must utilize textual references to substantiate your response. The foundation of this analysis will comprise of the ability to articulate a stance embedded within Claude McKay's "America." America

BY CLAUDE MCKAY

Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,
And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth,
Stealing my breath of life, I will confess
I love this cultured hell that tests my youth.
Her vigor flows like tides into my blood,
Giving me strength erect against her hate,
Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood.
Yet, as a rebel fronts a king in state,
I stand within her walls with not a shred
Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer.
Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,
And see her might and granite wonders there,
Beneath the touch of Time’s unerring hand,
Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.