Caribbean Literature 1900-1929 Essay

In the Caribbean, specific each in ally Jamaica, during the year of 1900-1929 there were two poets whose civilise sincerely stood out and do a statement. Those poets were Thomas Redcam (1870-1933) and Claude McKay (1878-1972). Thomas Redcam was a Jamaican poet who came from Irish ancestry. Throughout his carriage he promoted Jamaican publications and was a notable poet. He was seen as helpful and encouragement to young poets during that date compass point including Claude McKay. Both poets had such a making rage for their solid ground and made it attract in their rimes. They spoke about the beauty of Jamaica, how by means of thick and thin Jamaica would always be their heart and homeland. The themes of nature, faith, and fill out are very bewilder within the six poems we read. In Thomas Redcams poem My Beautiful Home is where we first see the predominant themes of nature, faith, and spot. In this poem he speaks of Jamaica in such bright terms, making extension of the land only using words such as beautiful. He also speaks of how the beauty of his homeland is the main reason he loves his land.He speaks of this love as being like n unmatched another(prenominal), a love that is severe and rooted in heart and faith. He makes the radical clear that even when not there his love will always be there and living tender Whenever I wander, for thee my love is abiding and strong (Redcam, 45). This bringing c lag together for love of country and nature continues in his next poem O precise Green Island. Far Over the Sea In this poem he speaks of the English rule without Jamaica and how it affects the people in one cheek besides not at all in the other. Not once does he speak proscribely about England and rather Redcam glorifies and praises their rule, For England is England, brave, patient, and veritable. (Redcam, 46) He speaks of how no matter who is ruling they are themselves and their love will always be for their own land Jamaica, But my l ittle Green Island, far over the sea, At eve-tide Jamaica, my heart turns to thee. (Redcam, 46). Redcam makes it clear through his statement that living under the English rule does not substitute them scarce rather streng and thens their love for their own homeland, Jamaica. Lastly but not least once again the themes of love and nature continue in Redcams last poem, but the theme of faith also becomes present in Jamaicas Coronation Ode.Here more than than in his other poems we find the idea of love for the country and how our love along with the idea of a strong faith helps us stand true to our country. He speaks of the war and hard times the people of Jamaica went through during this time period and although he speaks of hardship not once does he mention the idea of negativity. He speaks of positive thoughts and how their love and faith in Jamaica will ship them through the war and as a matter of fact anything in life. He speaks positive thoughts of the moving forward and the f uture to come later the war We are marching to conquer the Future, We are sons of Jamaica the free, We are true to our King and our Country, We are heirs of the ages to be (Redcam, 47) . This quote is mentioned throughout the poem which rattling shows the true faith and how they truly believed they could conquer it all with their strong love for Jamaica. Although in this poem the idea of faith in love is more predominant Redcam still mentions the nature he always speaks so highly of.A few days after the poems of Redcam came those of Claude McKay. Claude McKay was a Jamaican- American poet who divine and guided by the conk of Redcam. He was the author of four novels during the time of the Harlem Renaissances. During that time he also wrote short stories and poems, which he is noted for all round the world. McKay being under the guidance of Redcam had the same predominant themes in his poems which were that of nature, love, and faith. In McKays first poem My Native Home place d own the theme of love is instantly noticeable. He speaks of his love and how he feels Jamaica has made him the man he is. He speaks of how through thick and thin he will stand by his country and defend her. Though you cas me from your breas An walk me to deaf My heart will trus you none de less, My land I wont forget (McKay, 64). McKay makes it clear that he will never lose his faith in Jamaica as well.In this poem Jamaica McKay believes that his country Jamaica is one that can do no wrong. Once again the ideas of nature, faith and love continue in his next poem Flame Heart but this time the idea of nature becomes the more predominant one. In this work Mckay speaks how he returns back to Jamaica. Throughout the poem he mentions aspects of nature in the land that he can not recall but then mentions the one part of the land he remembers so vividly. McKay speaks of poinsettia plants he remembers so well. He speaks of their beauty and color, I have forgotten much, but I still remember The poinsettias red, blood-red in fond(p) December (McKay, 70). He speaks so vividly of this one aspect of nature and not only does he mention the beauty of it, he dives even deeper when mention of climate comes in.This statement about the poinsettia is mentioned a few times in the poem giving off a strong vibe and conviction. Everything to the speaker is a blur but through his blurs he is able to remember that red-blood poinsettia plant in warm December month. In his last poem I Shall Return McKay touches upon all three themes in such strong points. This poem speaks of someone who has go away Jamaica but has intentions of returning. It speaks of how their love for their country has encouraged them to return, but also their faithfulness. It speaks of how they truly miss the nature and beauty of their homeland. The speaker believes that when they return they will continue themselves pain.I shall return, I shall return again, to ease my mind of long, long years of pain (McKay, 71) . Jamaica is their home and they feel it is where they belong no matter where life takes them. Their faith and love will always bring them back home. These 6 poems are the perfect example of the three themes mentioned. Not one of them speaks of negative thoughts of Jamaica but instead glorifies all its beauty and the faith and love the Jamaican people truly have for their land. Both poets have such strong and impacting words when speaking of their land and truly believe that there is no land like theirs. They speak from the heart and truly give their readers vivid ideas of what things were like. These poets are have left a good impact on not only the people of their homeland but of people around the world through their poems.Works CitedDonnell, Alison, and Sarah Lawson Welsh. Routledge Reader in Caribbean Literature. London Routledge, 1996. Print.