The way a poem is structured greatly influences the effect it has on readers. Use of poetic devices such as repetition and alliteration can change how a poem is read and how it makes a reader feel. How do the writers of “I, Too” and “Yet Do I Marvel” use poetic devices illustrate the meaning in these poems? “Yet Do I Marvel”, by Countee Cullen, is a poem that questions God’s purpose in making a poet black and quietly ponders the possibly cruel fate. Cullen published “Yet Do I Marvel” in 1925. A highly educated man, having gone to New York University and Harvard University, Cullen was a key part of the Harlem Renaissance. “I, Too”, by Langston Hughes, confronts the idea that the strength the African American community holds will be one day be shown to the world, and the world will be ashamed of how they have discriminated against them. Published in 1945, Hughes was also a landmark figure in the Harlem Renaissance. In “Yet Do I Marvel”, Countee Cullen points out the dark irony of being a black poet in America, while “I, Too” poet Langston Hughes shows the growing strength of African Americans. However, both poets use of poetic devices to emphasize the main points of their poems makes their writing far more powerful and contributes to why both poems are so famed.

“Yet Do I Marvel” uses the 14 line Shakespearian sonnet, while “I, Too” is written as a lyrical free verse. These poets use different forms to emphasize the meaning of their poems. Countee Cullen uses this is to show that he is very educated, just as any white person. Cullen also wrote a sonnet to make his poem appear more formal and appeal to a larger audience. “I, Too” is written as a lyrical free verse, a short poem full of emotion. Langston Hughes uses this format to convey more power in his poem, and to help readers understand the passion he has for the topic.  The free verse style also allows Hughes to play with the structure of his poem. The line breaks change the speed and intensity at which the poem is read. This makes it sound almost Blues-like.

Both “Yet Do I Marvel” and “I, Too” use figurative devices to strengthen their themes. “Yet Do I Marvel” uses devices that make the poem richer with meaning. “I, Too” uses sound devices to make the poem sound more lively and powerful. Countee Cullen’s use of poetic devices such as allusion, alliteration, and syntax fills “Yet Do I Marvel” with meaning. Cullen writes about Greek mythological characters who suffer a similar grueling fate to African Americans:

Make plain the reason tortured Tantalus

Is baited by the fickle fruit, declare

If merely brute caprice dooms Sisyphus

To struggle up a never-ending stair. (5-7)

 

This allusion reiterates the meaning of the poem; the cruel fate of having your livelihood perpetually out of reach. These allusions strengthen Cullen’s desire to make the poem more formal. Cullen uses syntax when he discusses how “Inscrutable His ways are,” (9). Cullen’s use of syntax in this instance makes the poem flow. Langston Hughes’s use of metaphor is a cornerstone of “I, Too” The whole poem is a metaphor, comparing the rights of all African Americans to the struggles on one man. This metaphor makes the poem more relatable to the grievances that many of the blacks in America faced. Moreover, this poem alludes to Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing”. Hughes’s poem is a response to Whitman’s, saying that he too is an instrumental part of America, like all African Americans.

“Yet Do I Marvel” and “I, Too” both bring up the topic of the struggle of being black in America. “Yet Do I Marvel” does this through talking about being a black poet, while “I, Too” talks about being strong as a community. Both poets use poetic devices and structure to emphasize their message. Countee Cullen uses a sonnet and references to both Greek mythology and Christianity to show he can be just as smart as a white person. Langston Hughes uses a free verse style poem to portray his thoughts. Behind both of these poems in a black poet in the height of the Harlem Renaissance who wanted to show America and the world that they were as talented writers as anyone.