Exploring Anti-Black Violence and Racial Injustice in Countee Cullen’s “Incident” (1925) and Natasha Trethewey’s “Incident” (2007)
In at least 500 words, consider how the poets Countee Cullen and Natasha Trethewey have addressed anti-Black violence and racial injustice by considering the relationship between Cullen’s “Incident” (1925) and Trethewey’s “Incident” (2007). Make sure to take into account how the different forms of these poems shape their meaning; to quote lines from both poems as evidence; and to consider the titles of these poems as well as the fact that they were published 82 years apart.
How does literature provide us with opportunities to reflect on our own values and principles that guide our lives, often by discovering alternative ways of looking at the world? How does literature open doorways onto the perspectives of other peoples, times, and cultures and help us imagine diverse ways of being human?
For instructions on how to quote poetry, see here.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/quotation_marks/quotation_marks_with_fiction.html
Title: Exploring Anti-Black Violence and Racial Injustice in Countee Cullen’s “Incident” (1925) and Natasha Trethewey’s “Incident” (2007)
Introduction: Literature has long served as a powerful medium for reflecting on societal issues and challenging prevailing norms. Countee Cullen’s poem “Incident” (1925) and Natasha Trethewey’s poem “Incident” (2007) both address anti-Black violence and racial injustice, albeit in different historical contexts. By examining the relationship between these poems, their forms, and their titles, we can gain insight into how literature allows us to reflect on our values, explore alternative perspectives, and imagine diverse ways of being human.
Body:
Historical Context:
Cullen’s “Incident” was published during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, a period marked by the celebration of African American culture and artistic expression.
Trethewey’s “Incident” was published in the 21st century, an era grappling with ongoing racial tensions and a renewed focus on social justice movements like Black Lives Matter.
The 82-year gap between the publication of these poems highlights the persistent nature of anti-Black violence and the need for continued dialogue and reflection.
Form and Meaning:
Cullen’s poem is structured as a single stanza with ten lines, employing a regular rhyme scheme (aabbccddbb). This compact structure emphasizes the abruptness of the incident and the lasting impact it had on the speaker.
Trethewey’s poem is composed of five quatrains, each with an irregular rhyme scheme. This form allows for a more nuanced exploration of the incident, giving voice to both the speaker’s personal experience and its broader implications.
The Power of Titles:
Both poems share the same title, “Incident,” which immediately signals a connection between them. This choice underscores the pervasive nature of racial violence throughout history.
The repetition of the title across time highlights the cyclical nature of racial injustice and serves as a reminder that progress is still needed.
Lines as Evidence:
Countee Cullen’s “Incident” opens with the lines: “Once riding in old Baltimore, / Heart-filled, head-filled with glee.” These lines convey a sense of innocence and joy before abruptly shifting to the encounter with racism that forever alters the speaker’s perspective.
Natasha Trethewey’s “Incident” begins with: “We tell the story every year— / How we peered from the windows, shades drawn.” These lines evoke a collective memory shared by multiple voices, emphasizing how incidents of racial violence impact entire communities.
Conclusion: Through their respective poems, Countee Cullen and Natasha Trethewey shed light on anti-Black violence and racial injustice. The different historical contexts, forms, and titles of “Incident” demonstrate how literature provides opportunities for reflection, challenges our values, and encourages us to imagine diverse ways of being human. By engaging with these poems, readers are compelled to confront the enduring nature of racial discrimination and consider their own roles in promoting equality and social change.