Glencoe American Literature Unit 5: Theme 8 - "If We Must Die" / "The tropics of New York"

• Poetry

• Nonfiction

• Drama

Theme 1

Theme 2
Theme 3

Theme 4
Theme 5

Theme 6

Theme 7
Theme 8

Theme 9
Theme 10

Theme 11
Theme 12

from If We Must Die
The Tropics in New York
by Claude McKay

1919 Race Riots
This portion of the Chicago Public Library site presents information about the 1919 riots in that city. You can review a map of where the riots took place and read an account of the tragic event that sparked the conflict. After reading, write a reflection on race relations in the United States today. Perhaps you can publish your essay in your school newspaper.

Claude McKay
Learn more about poet Claude McKay at this American Academy of Poets site. Read his poem "The White House" and consider the themes it introduces. Write a brief review of the poem in which you compare its themes with those in "If We Must Die."