jlh+McKay's+Higher+Purpose

In this poem, Claude McKay gives his take on "America." The beginning of the poem, he seems to be accusing "America," by saying things like "Although she feeds me bread of bitterness," and "Stealing my breath of life." Those two lines from the poem don't exactly give off a warm vibe. However, by also saying, "I love this cultured hell that tests my youth," McKay is showing that he also appriciates America. Also, if you look at the first couple of lines, "Although she feeds me bread of bitterness, And sinks into my throat her tiger's tooth, Stealing my breath of life, I will confess I love this cultured hell that tests my youth," it shows that McKay is writing about feelings toward motherly characteristics. This shows what America is and how it appears.