15 May 2022

390

A Critical Analysis of the African American Anthem

Format: APA

Academic level: College

Paper type: Essay (Any Type)

Words: 507

Pages: 2

Downloads: 0

The song, " Lift every voice and sing " emphasizes the need for faith and hope as the authors advocate for joyful singing which is influenced by liberty; freedom. The song continues with further intensity as the progressive stanzas reveal the treacherous living conditions in which the African-Americans were subjected to including violence, torture, and difficulties. Through the incorporation of numerous metaphors, the song gives a detailed history of the African American struggle as well as the inhumane experiences by the same. Moreover, the song offers encouragement and hope by attributing their progress to God.

The major point derived from the song is the African-American struggle and the fact that they should not despair since God has enabled them to come thus far. The speakers acknowledge that it is through God that they have overcome the racism, discrimination, violence, and difficulties associated with people of color hence ask for further guidance from above. The stony road through which the speakers have walked shows of the challenges associated with identifying as black while the rod depicts of the strategic approaches used to punish the same. However, the song campaigns for hope and faith since African-American society has endured hardships; nevertheless, there is still hope for the future.

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Examples from the song that support the argument above include the first stanza's musical element which is accompanied by the theme of liberty. " The harmonies of liberty" argues that freedom is harmonious as it promotes and enhances peace. "Let our rejoicing rise.." emphasizes the need for confidence in expression which eventually earns the minority the liberty they so seek. Additionally, a reference to the process as rejoicing declares the joy and fulfillment in the speakers' hearts. Through comparison, the song incorporates similies which further intensify the message as a result of the comparison. For example, "loud as the rolling sea" depicts what the sound of freedom will reflect on the world.

An analysis offered by this paper suggests that African-Americans were brutally beaten and disregarded by Americans who then considered themselves superior hence the introduction of racism. The song further personifies the hope experienced at the time regarding it as "unborn," a term used to refer to fetuses. Nevertheless, the last lines of the second stanza takes a different approach using optimism and joy to show the leaps the society has made concerning the same. 

The argument above can be tied to the summary of the song in that the song uses two different tones and moods to reveal the African American struggle as well as the joy experienced as a result of freedom, inclusion, and acceptance. Not only does the American setting value African Americans but also regard them as equals which whom they share responsibilities and resources. Such an example is seen using the metaphor, "weary feet" and an unpredictable momentum which suggests that the transition from slavery to freedom was fruitfully prolonged. The "tears" and blood reveal the sorrow experienced by the same as they toiled and encountered unfairly inhumane treatment.

In conclusion, this essay aimed at offering a comprehensive analysis of the song, " Lift every voice and sing ," an African American struggle anthem. The song reveals the magnitude of their despair as a result of the ill-treatment accorded the same as well as physical, mental and psychological torture. Nevertheless, the song uses two tones; one revealing the sorrow of African American ancestors while the other reveals the joy experienced hitherto due to liberty and inclusion.

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StudyBounty. (2023, September 15). A Critical Analysis of the African American Anthem.
https://studybounty.com/a-critical-analysis-of-the-african-american-anthem-essay

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