Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Heritage" is a poem by Countee Cullen, first published in 1925 in his collection "Color." The poem is a celebration of African-American culture and history, as well as a critique of the way in which that culture has been erased and suppressed by slavery and racism.

Explanation:

The poem begins by describing the beauty and richness of African-American culture, celebrating the music, art, and literature that have emerged from that culture. However, the poem then turns to a critique of the way in which that culture has been erased and suppressed by slavery and racism. The speaker acknowledges the pain and trauma of this history, but also affirms the resilience and strength of African-American people and their culture.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is divided into three stanzas, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. The lines are of varying length and follow a loose structure.
• Theme: The poem explores the themes of African-American culture, heritage, and the effects of slavery and racism on that culture.
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to convey the beauty and richness of African-American culture, as well as the trauma and pain of its history.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is celebratory and affirming, as the speaker asserts the value and beauty of African-American culture, while also acknowledging the painful history that has shaped it.
• Sound: The poem makes use of repetition, with the word "I" appearing at the beginning of each stanza. The use of alliteration and assonance creates a sense of musicality and movement.
• Language: The language of the poem is accessible and straightforward, with a focus on concrete details and sensory experience.
• Figurative language: The poem uses metaphor and imagery, such as the metaphor of the "strong sweet smell" of a "sweaty bond" to convey the beauty and resilience of African-American culture.
• Structure: The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of African-American culture and history.
• Symbolism: The references to music, literature, and art serve as symbolic representations of the richness and beauty of African-American culture, while the references to slavery and racism serve as symbols of the trauma and pain that have shaped that culture.
• Emotion: The poem conveys a sense of pride, celebration, and affirmation of African-American culture and history, while also acknowledging the painful realities of slavery and racism.

Conclusion:

"Heritage" is a powerful and celebratory poem that affirms the value and beauty of African-American culture and history, while also acknowledging the painful realities of slavery and racism. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and repetition, Countee Cullen captures the complexity and nuance of African-American experience.

Poem Snippet:

"I am the slave, sold down the river to the

Sassacus, I am the Negro servant, gone

To war."