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MULATTO by CLAUDE MCKAY

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: BECAUSE I AM THE WHITE MAN'S SON - HIS OWN
Last Line: TO GAIN THE UTMOST FREEDOM THAT IS LIFE.
Subject(s): MULATTOS; RACISM; RACIAL PREJUDICE; BIGOTRY;

Because I am the white man's son -- his own
Bearing the bastard birth-mark on my face,
I will dispute his title to his throne,
Forever fight him for my rightful place.
There is a searing hate within my soul,
A hate that only kin can feel for kin,
A hate that makes me vigorous and whole,
And spurs me on increasingly to win.
Because I am my cruel father's child,
My love of justice stirs me up to hate,
A warring Ishmaelite, unreconciled,
When falls the hour I shall not hestitate
Into my father's heart to plunge the knife
To gain the utmost freedom that is life.



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