The poem was written by Claude McKay in a Shakespearean sonnet style made of fourteen lines. It follows a 1212 3434 5656 77 pattern that uses iambic pentameter. Each line consists of five sets of metrical feet in two beats.
Here is the interpretation of the first 4 lines of the poem:
The first line of the poem tells the author or the poet that his countrymen must not be like the captured animals. They are captured and are not given rights. He is calling to action to raise their voice and their rights should not be taken away from them. He is also encouraging everyone to avoid being a coward especially when they know they are on the right side of the story or situation. He wants them to realize that they should be not abused in their land.
The poet wants his countrymen to be strong enough to fight back. They should do what is right especially when they think their power is being abused. If they will face the unfortunate, it would be better to face it for the country and not from the slavery they have been experiencing on that day.
This is the summary of the poem:
Beginning
The poem begins by addressing the poet's countrymen. He is telling or educating them to avoid ending up like in the fate of caged animals. They should not spend their life in hell without any rights at all.
Middle
The poet is seeking approach to educate his fellow to fight back for their rights. They need to have a good life from any type of abuse.
End
The poet encourages to have a protest with all the people who believe in him. They want to create history and show the world that they know how to fight back for they know what is right.
Interpreting poems are best done in paragraph forms. It helps us to understand the poem more than the metaphors and idiomatic expressions found in every line. If you want to learn more about paragraphs, you can head over to this link for your convenience: https://brainly.ph/question/4762871
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