Claude McKay, born Festus Claudius McKay, was an influential Jamaican-American poet and novelist, who wrote during the Harlem Renaissance His famous works included the sonnet, “If We Must Die,” and novels such as Home to Harlem and Banjo. McKay’s writing often explored the complexities of identity, the struggles of those living in poverty, and the changes to African American culture in the early 20th century. His writing was also influenced by his experiences living and studying abroad in England and Sardinia.
His work has been credited as a major influence on the Harlem Renaissance, and his ability to create effective and moving narratives about the African American experience has made him a symbol of the movement. Here are five examples of Claude McKay essay topics:
1. How does Claude McKay's poetry reflect the struggles and realities of African American life during the Harlem Renaissance?
2. Analyze McKay's use of dialect and language in his works, and how this reflects the influence of his Jamaican heritage.
3. Discuss the role and importance of religion in Claude McKay's writings, and how this is reflective of his own beliefs.
4. Compare and contrast Claude McKay's Home to Harlem with other literature of the Harlem Renaissance.
5. Examine the ways in which McKay's writing has been a source of inspiration for African American writers and how his work has shaped their discourse.