Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Claude McKay's poem "Look Within" is a searing critique of the hypocrisy and moral blindness of the United States during a time of global conflict. Written in the form of a sonnet, the poem juxtaposes the nation's involvement in World War II, fighting against Fascism abroad, with the systemic racism and oppression of African Americans at home. McKay calls out the glaring contradiction between the country's professed values and its actual treatment of its Black citizens, using Biblical references to underscore the moral urgency of his message.

The poem begins with a direct appeal to the "Lord," asking not to be silent while the United States engages in a global fight against Fascism. McKay highlights the irony of Americans fighting "Germans" in Europe and "Japanese" in Asia to oppose a "Fascist way of might," while simultaneously subjecting "fifteen million Negroes" to a "Fascist yoke" within their own borders. This powerful comparison exposes the deep-rooted racism and inequality that persist in the United States, despite its claims to be fighting for freedom and justice abroad.

McKay's use of the word "yoke" is significant, as it evokes the image of enslavement and oppression, drawing a direct line between the historical subjugation of Black people and the continued denial of their rights in the present. The "beam" that McKay refers to, alluding to Jesus' teaching in the Gospel of Matthew (7:3-5), represents the significant flaws and sins of the United States that it refuses to acknowledge. McKay calls on the nation to "remove the beam" from its own eye—address its own moral failings—before attempting to criticize or correct the faults of others.

The poem's tone is accusatory and confrontational, particularly in the lines "We bathe our lives in vapors of sweet myrrh, / And close our eyes not to perceive the fact!" Here, McKay accuses the American people of willful ignorance and self-deception, of covering themselves in the metaphorical "sweet myrrh" of superficial righteousness while refusing to confront the ugly reality of their actions. This self-delusion is further condemned in the final quatrain, where McKay invokes the image of a "white sepulcher"—a tomb that is clean and white on the outside but "worm-infested, rotten through within." This reference to Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:27) is a powerful indictment of the United States, suggesting that while the nation presents itself as morally upright and just, it is deeply corrupt and decayed beneath the surface.

In the final couplet, McKay drives home his critique, warning against the pretense of being "uncorrupt of sin" while being "rotten through within." The poem suggests that true moral integrity requires self-examination and the courage to address one's own injustices before condemning others. McKay's use of religious language and imagery adds weight to his argument, implying that the nation's hypocrisy is not just a political or social failing, but a profound moral and spiritual one as well.

"Look Within" is a powerful and unflinching critique of American hypocrisy, exposing the contradictions between the nation's ideals and its treatment of African Americans. Through his use of Biblical references and vivid imagery, McKay challenges his readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about their society and to seek genuine justice and equality, both at home and abroad. The poem remains a poignant reminder of the importance of self-reflection and the dangers of moral complacency.

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