Caribbean Literature 1900-1929 Essay

In the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica, during the year of 1900-1929 there were two poets whose work truly stood give away and made 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 demeanor he promoted Jamaican literature and was a notable poet. He was seen as helpful and encouragement to younger poets during that time period including Claude McKay. Both poets had such a get by for their country and made it clear in their poetrys. They come up to about the beauty of Jamaica, how through thick and thin Jamaica would always be their heart and home reach. The themes of nature, faith, and make do are very present 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 cut. In this poem he speaks of Jamaica in such vivid terms, do mention 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 none other, a love that is strong and rooted in heart and faith. He makes the idea clear that dismantle when not there his love leave alone always be there and living strong Whenever I wander, for thee my love is abiding and strong (Redcam, 45). This idea for love of country and nature continues in his next poem Olittle Green Island. Far Over the Sea In this poem he speaks of the position rule passim Jamaica and how it affects the people in one aspect hardly not at all in the other. Not once does he speak negatively about England but rather Redcam glorifies and praises their rule, For England is England, brave, patient, and true. (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 little Green Island, far over the sea, At eve-tide Jamaica, my heart turns to thee. (Redca m, 46). Redcam makes it clear through his statement that living under the English rule does not change them but rather streng wherefores their love for their own homeland, Jamaica. Lastly but not least once over 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 in his other poems we let on 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 profound 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 carry them through the war and as a matter of fact anything in life. He speaks positive thoughts of the moving off and the future to come after the war We are marching to conquer the Future, We are sons of Jamaica th e 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 really 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 years after the poems of Redcam came those of Claude McKay. Claude McKay was a Jamaican- American poet who shake and guided by the work 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 slightly 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 Land 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 trample 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 warm December (McKay, 70). He speaks so vividly of this one aspe ct 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 left 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 save 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 harangue 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 referee in Caribbean Literature. London Routledge, 1996. Print.