I then ask them to complete this poem analogy in their journals and then share it with a learning partner. The Harlemevident allusion used by McKay in "If We Must Die" to proclaim his desire for racial equality is a literary allusion to Shakespeare"s work. Lastly, I remind my students that many writers and artists lived in Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s and were part of a creative community that found its voice in what they all should know as the Harlem Renaissance. The title shows the desperation of a situation that may seem like there is no choice for the speaker but there is, how to die. "If We Must Die" by Claude McKay Theme When facing opposition or hardship, never surrender, even if you know you cannot prevail. Next I ask for volunteers to help with identifying the poems rhyme scheme. I tell my students that another device McKay uses from the Shakespearean Sonnet format is a feature called a "turn." We want to be honored for trying. In silver and gold. I explain that there are many different ways to write a sonnet, which is basically just a particular kind of short poem. It uses an ordinary sentence to refer to something without directly stating it. I also explain that Claude McKay wrote this poem as a universal message for anyone, regardless of race, who feels oppressed by society's prejudices. Claude McKay was born in Jamaica on September 15, 1889. It is written in iambic pentameter and follows the Shakespearean rhyme scheme, ABABCDCDEFEFGG. Split second and you disappeared and then I was all alone." "bark" replicates the short and hard noise that a dog makes. It can be seen in phrases likes “If we must die, O let us nobly die,” in which the word, and imagery around the world, “die” is repeated. The Question and Answer section for If We Must Die is a great Recognizing when his characters are speaking figuratively helps to understand what they are saying. If We Must Die study guide contains a biography of Claude McKay, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. “If We Must Die” reflects McKay’s perspective on black people’s experiences in … I explain that the poem that they are about to read talk of  the black soldiers returning home from World War 2 and a new sense of pride, and militancy to stand up for what is one's personal right as an American citizens. "Precious blood" not "shed in vain" potentially alludes to Christ's death on the cross, depicting the speaker and his allies as Christ-like martyrs. Today's Challenge: How to make a poem that was written in the 1930's about prejudice and personal pride relevant for our 21st century students? The latter, repetition, is the use and reuse of a specific technique, word, tone, or phrase within a poem. Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursèd lot. If we must die, O let us nobly die, So that our precious blood may not be shed. I then ask them to identify the poems rhyme scheme by writing the letters next to the end rhymes. Like a scene from a movie. What is the purpose of the first 4 lines? In-depth explanations of the themes found in If We Must Die. The major conflict of the poem is the Manichean conflict of the speaker and his kinsmen versus their common enemy. Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work (e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from Ovid or the Bible or how a later author draws on a play by Shakespeare). For this lesson I write on the white board: "A poem is like  __________________ because _________________." For the wrap up I ask what are two reasons why Claude McKay's poem is also considered a sonnet? Claude McKay uses similar diction as Shakespeare multiple times in "If We Must Die." In light of the previous characterizations of "dogs" and "monsters," the reference to "the common foe" in line 9 understates the danger and savagery of their enemy, perhaps in order to depict a more manageable opponent as the speaker begins to rally his "kinsmen.". If we must die—oh, let us nobly die, So that our precious blood may not be shed In vain; then even the monsters we defy Shall be constrained to honor us though dead! I read the poem out loud while asking students to read it to themselves. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Figurative language, such as metaphors and personification, deviates from the literal meaning of words in order to produce more interesting writing.It evokes comparison, heightens emphasis, and clarifies a new way of stating an idea or description. We don't want to shed any blood or tears in vain. according to the speaker, how should a person face death?explain your answer in detail. Oh, Kinsmen! During this summer, there was a rise in hate crime, race … Claude McKay (1889-1948) was a Jamaican-American writer, poet, and a seminal figure during the Harlem Renaissance. We will separate the examples into the different categories listed above to make it easier to see which one fits where. I use a power point presentation, A Rhyme and Reason, as first a review of rhyme scheme (slides #2-8). Words matter: we must be more honest about language When we say politicians should be pilloried, we don’t mean passers-by should throw rocks at them. Figurative language refers to the color we use to amplify our writing. Next I explain that Robert Frost's highly symbolic poem describes perfection in the world of Nature. After they share their poem analogy , I ask for volunteers to share their analogies with the class. To offer students more insight into why the author wrote this poem, I  play the short video of Claude McKay who speaks about the "why"  followed by a reading of "If We Must Die.". McKay is saying that even in the bleakest of times, we can find an opportunity to live with free will and dignity. We continue to analyze the poems use of figurative language, symbolism and how it impacts theme by filling out a Poetry Response Form as required in standard RL.9-10.4. That every broken heart knows we were walking on moonlight. "I found myself dreaming. Shaymeon Robertson AP English Literature If We Must Die By: Claude McKay If We Must Die, by Claude McKay is a sonnet written during the Harlem Renaissance period; a period where there was a flowering of African-American literature and art, (1919- mid 1930s). All Rights Reserved. Interpreting figurative language literally also results in false doctrine. Title. The structure of the poem was iambic pentameter through out the majority of the poem. English 8 students added a new skill for reading tough texts like Frederick Douglass’s autobiography: finding subordinate clauses. GradeSaver "If We Must Die Literary Elements". Sam Leith. © 2020 BetterLesson. Students determined the eight concerns she has with taking the potion and then examined the text for the use of figurative language. Next I project the poem, slide #11, as well as pass out a copy of "If We Must Die" to every student. answer choices . The speaker's description of his enemy as a great mass of "monsters" dealing "their thousand blows" may be read as an exaggerated depiction used for purposes of characterization. Even though they are located within forests, an opening to the sky because trees have little or no foliage in winter, can be seen are also reflected in the water..." Next we continue to analyze the poem as a class by identifying the use figurative language and the meditative tone the poem creates. Part of the conflict also involves the speaker's need to rally his allies against their foe, and to encourage them in the belief that fighting this fight is worthwhile. If We Must Die was written as a response to what is now called the Red Summer of 1919. Sam Leith. We all have to try. What form of figurative language is being used? Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursèd lot. If We Must Die, by Claude McKay is a sonnet written during the Harlem Renaissance period; a period where there was a flowering of African-American literature and art, (1919- mid 1930s). I use the Cold Call techniques to check for understanding by randomly calling on a few students to give me their answers SL.9-10.1a. An analysis of the most important parts of the poem If We Must Die by Claude McKay, written in an easy-to-understand format. 1. metaphor 2. simile 3. alliteration 4. anastrophe 5. assonance 6. consonance 7. euphemism 8. hyperbole 9. idiom 10. logosglyph 11. onomatopoeia 12. personification 13. pun In this sonnet, the speaker reveals his mixed feelings about living in "the land of the free." Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. SWBAT identify, respond to, and analyze the effects of form and meaning of figurative language in a sonnet by engaging in guided close reading of structure and by completing a poetry response form to analyze and identify figurative language. Pair “America” with “If We Must Die,” and ask students to compare McKay’s tone in each text. We must fight until the end. Next I explain that Robert Frost's highly symbolic poem describes perfection in the world of Nature. He was educated by his older brother, who possessed a library of English novels, poetry, and scientific texts. In slide #10, I give a brief review Shakespearean Sonnet because many of my students were introduced to it last year. to use a comparison to show how they will not die without a fight. The first evidence of this comes in line 5 … Figurative language is a way to engage your readers, guiding them through your writing with a more creative tone. In vain; then even the monsters we defy. The speaker of "If We Must Die" assumes that the foe will? Even if it seems impossible we still must be brave. If we must die, let it not be like hogs. BetterLesson reimagines professional learning by personalizing support for educators to support student-centered learning. What though before us lies the open grave? we must meet the common foe!" If We Must Die study guide contains a biography of Claude McKay, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. For example, … These first four lines establish the basic premise of the poem: the speaker and his allies are under attack and are going to die, and the force opposing them is powerful and vicious. Free, fun, and packed with the most important details! Though McKay would later write poetry in Jamaican vernacular language, here he remains committed to European poetic traditions. The first quatrain unfolds as just one sentence, beginning with the eponymous line "If we must die," which will be repeated twice in the poem. Figurative language refers to the use of words in a way that deviates from the conventional order and meaning in order to convey a complicated meaning, colorful writing, clarity, or evocative comparison. I then project slides #12-13 which address the rhyme scheme and the poems couplets. Iambic pentameter (five beats or stressed syllables per line, usually ten or eleven syllables), with a "Shakespearean" rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG, "like hogs / Hunted and penned" - Simile comparing the speaker and his allies to pigs if they yield to their enemy, "the mad and hungry dogs," "the monsters," "the murderous, cowardly pack" - extended metaphor comparing the enemy to dogs and nonhuman creatures, Resolute and steadfast, with elevated and rousing language, The speaker denounces his antagonist: the "common foe.". Interpreting a prophecy from our 21st century ... and allow all of his male descendants to die off so that Ahab’s family tree will be wiped out. Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas. Though the Harlem Renaissance period was a time of thriving people and culture in the African-American community, prejudice was still very much active; something African-Americans knew first hand. We are now going to take a look at some examples of the different types of figurative language which we have discussed. I let them know that Shakespeare's sonnets have a very specific form, which the poet Claude McKay borrowed in "If We Must Die.". The sonnet “If We Must Die” is obviously about the long lasting conflict between white and black people in the early 19th century. If we must die—let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursed lot. It was during these years that riots related to race were experienced in the United States of America. I ask students to discuss with a partner were they think this "turn" takes place by citing evidence form the poem RL.9-10.1. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone). It gently alludes to something without directly stating it. On slide #9 I project Robert Frost's poem "Spring Pools"  while asking students to read the poem silently as I read it out loud. GradeSaver. In general, “If We Must Die” follows the formula for a Shakespearean sonnet. Death is the poem's main theme, invoked in the title, the first and last line, and many times in between. The poem uses quatrains to display three different messages to the reader. As they give me the correct letters, I add them on the lines in the space provided. ... Because a caution about taking figurative language literally is not to say that anything goes. We might see others fail but we won't end up like them. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel. And you pulled me close. It’s important to note that this poem is written in sonnet form with 14 lines, a very formal style of writing. "precious blood may not be shed" refers not just to the loss of blood but to death. If We Must Die Poetry Response Form McKay dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of oppressed people. If we must die, let it not be like hogs. Figurative Language Summary At first, McKay talks about how if he and his allies are to die, they will not go down like animals, they will fight until I ask them to locate a line that would demonstrate this sense of perfection: "Still reflect the total sky almost without defect"  As a class I next facilitate a discussion of the lines meaning; "...the pools of water are temporary and are formed by the melting of the snow during spring. Get Help With Your Essay McKay makes the point that even “if we must die”, at least die fighting back. In the poem "If We Must Die" by Claude McKay, the author cries out to his audience -to his men at arms- to fight back against those that oppress them and are intent to kill them. Copyright © 1999 - 2021 GradeSaver LLC. What is Figurative Language? The poetry response form will help! He is willing to die as long as they fight and die like soldiers in dignity. ... We must place ourselves in the sandals of the prophet and render his prophecy from his historic and cultural position. Shakespeare uses many types of figurative language tools such as metaphor, simile, and personification to paint pictures with his words. Even though they are located within forests, an opening to the sky because trees have little or no foliage in winter, can be seen are also reflected in the water...". "If We Must Die". The phrase “If we must die” actually appears word for word twice in the poem. We continue to analyze the poems use of figurative language, symbolism and how it impacts theme by filling out a Poetry Response Form as required in standard RL.9-10.4. We… If We Must Die summary When Claude McKay wrote the poem "If We Must Die" in 1919, he did not expect it to become the inaugural address of the Harlem Renaissance. LESSON 11: Students Analyze Poems If I Must Die and Spring Pools for Rhyme Scheme and Figurative LanguageLESSON 12: Identifying and Analyzing Form and Figurative Language in Claude McKay's, If We Must DieLESSON 13: Employing Sensory Language to Develop Poetry about a Jolly Rancher Even If It's hard we have to give it our all and try our hardest until the end. Born in Sunny Ville, Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, on September 15 1890. The whites would attack the blacks and vice versa. The Poem “If We Must Die”, by Claude Mckay portrays the deep feelings felt during the conflict between blacks and whites in America in the early 20th century. Analyzing Poetry about Beliefs: Using FACE to Uncover the Mask (Day 1 of 2), Making Inferences about the Character of the Characters in "The Scarlet Ibis". I ask them to locate a line that would demonstrate this sense of perfection: "Still reflect the total sky almost without defect"  As a class I next facilitate a discussion of the lines meaning; "...the pools of water are temporary and are formed by the melting of the snow during spring. I explain that this is a moment in the poem where the theme or the tone changes in a surprising way. Though not as rich in poetic symbolism as the poems by Emily Dickinson and George Herbert, McKay's poem evokes a stronger and more inspiring emotional reaction. True to the Shakespearean sonnet form, where the resolution comes in the sonnet's final couplet, the climax of the poem comes in its last two lines, where the speaker claims that he and his allies will face their enemy. I periodically will present my students with an analogy prompt. Figurative Language In Poem Festus Claudius “Claude” McKay (1889-1948) was a Jamaican-American novelist and poet who played an important role in the Harlem Renaissance. McKay constructs the poem as the speaker's address to his allies, and the many first person plural pronouns (us, we, our) create a sense of fellowship between the speaker and his allies. November 4, 2019. The speaker is an unidentified person, implied to be male, facing death from a savage foe. In 1912, McKay published a book of verse called Songs of Jamaica (Gardner), recording his impressions of … If We Must Die by: Claude Mckay (Analysis Paper) 1084 Words | 5 Pages. It takes an ordinary statement and dresses it up in an evocative frock. -more about resilience, fighting back and will die fighting back as minorities in general. Indeed, the sense of impending death is the poem's sine qua non, and while the speaker clearly has no morbid desire for death for death's... what does mean "what thought before us lies the open grave. The speaker accepts his fate in war,And for their thousand blows deal one death-blow! After getting a few responses I acknowledge correct answers, and then explain that the "turn" comes at line 9 (which I indicate with the number 9) where the speaker calls his kinsmen (friends) to action: "O kinsmen!