Kevin Vargas
Kittsham’s Tropic Shadows blog contains very applicable real-world feelings that were captured. It identifies the two poems as separate emotional stages as opposed to viewing it as one collectible thesis. The emotion of isolation and limbo state of routine. The analysis on The Tropics of New York really does a great job introducing the idea of being trapped. However, it lacks an example on where this sense is felt. Fortunately, the analysis on “Subway Wind” tied the two together to give a greater insight on McKay’s flow of thought. If I dive into a reading deeply and I find myself hearing my thudding heart, then it deserves an A-.
Dannyon13’s blog White Americaaaaaaa demonstrates an effort to dive deeper to demonstrate emotion beyond the poem but it can be more refined to greater potential. For example, in the last portion of the paragraph depicting the quotes that some African Americans had to face, there is heavy dehumanization of a race. Hurtful words such as “round us bark the mad and hungry dogs” and “making their mock at our accursed lot” are used as examples to retaliate stronger. Much like a war speech in a rebellion against a tyrant, there is a the list of the troubles followed by the negative prejudice and finalized by the final action to call. This call for action could be part of the thesis to rebel against racism and prejudice. However, there is still some valid points to reference the homesick portion of the poem. It raised my interest to a B.
As for Marklipnickey’s The Great Divide blog had me lightly confused at first. I wasn’t sure where this idea of “anxiety” came from. You clarified within the blog through deeper analysis that there is seeking love but one can’t get it over itself. I wasn’t able to catch this on my read! A.
Introduction to Poetry 