Clifton, And Mcelroy: A Literary Analysis

The way a person identifies themselves from a cultural perspective is extremely important to the way they are perceived by society. If a person cannot make their voice heard in their own culture, then there is almost no hope for their voice to permeate throughout society. Langston Hughes, Lucille Clifton, and Colleen McElroy are all excellent examples of this very idea. Each person knew exactly who they were culturally, and were therefore able to fully express themselves in their work. The fact that these authors knew who they were is directly correlated to the fact that they were able to say exactly what they wanted to have said in their writings throughout their careers. Hughes, Clifton, and McElroy were all able to establish a proper cultural …show more content…
In “I, Too”, Hughes establishes his cultural identity by showing how he clearly knows who he is within himself. “Besides,/They’ll see how beautiful I am/And be ashamed-/I, too, am America.” (Hughes, I,Too) Hughes knows that he is not yet accepted as a part of American society. However, he also knows of his capabilities and his reasons for living. He knows that one day, he will be of equal status with those who once spat on him. But, in “Rivers”, Hughes establishes his cultural heritage. “I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.”(Hughes, Rivers) Although Hughes is not fully immersed in African culture, he acknowledges where he came from and the fact that it got him where he is. Hughes embraces his heritage with open arms, allowing it to be a part of his life. But, throughout all of these, Hughes conveys his message. The most obvious place the message is however, is in “Dream Variations”. “To fling my arms wide/In some place like the sun,/To whirl and to dance/Till the white day is done.”(Hughes, Dream Variations) Hughes’ message is similar to the one that will be expressed by Clifton and McElroy. This message is that the people of their culture will not always be oppressed. Someday, things will equal out, and that will be a day to be …show more content…
McElroy delivers her tale as though she is telling a story to her children. She first addresses cultural heritage, then identity, and lastly conveys a message. “I have stored up tales for you, my children/My favorite children, my only children;/Of shackles and slaves and a bill of rights.” (McElroy, For My Children) In this particular text, McElroy acknowledges the contradictions of history, and the injustice of America. She addresses the fact that those of color are often not given the same opportunity as those born into a well-off white family. For this reason, McElroy acknowledges the system as flawed and inherently wrong. Her message is that no one group should ever have power over another. For this reason, McElroy is still praised and regarded as an extremely important author