Reflection of Poems

The Tropics of New York - Claude McKay
The speakers purpose for this poem was to reminisce on what New York used to be, and what his/her home once was like. However, I feel as if New York was becoming much more devoloped and her memories seemed farther and farther away.

Lady Freedom Among Us - Rita Dove
I believe this speaker is saying that America is apart of everyone, and our culture is very evident even though some people try to cover it up and protest against the government, the people, the ideas - but America is apart of everyone. I also think the speaker is saying that we need to respect our country and the history it has gone through and the future it will go through; sometimes Americans forget that we are all connected in a way that we can vote together, practice the same rights, and live with freedom.

Cartoon
I agree very much with this cartoon because I remember the days and months following 9/11 when everyone was supporting all New Yorkers and empathizing with them. The artist of this cartoon was showing the support of people in other states(looks like florida) some of whom had never been to New York but still felt the pain of the whole nation.

Manhattana - Walt Whitman
In this poem the speaker is showing how proud he/she is of the bustling city he/she lives in. He or she loves the city and the crazinesss of everyone's lives going on simultaneously. The imagery used paints the picture of Manhattan c. 1900 in every readers mind. The speaker is very positive and sets a nice tone for NYC.

Connection
I think that all these poems are connected by an emotion conveyed about a city or a culture they love; whether it's very positive, caring, nostalgic, or empathetic.