Poem "Nigger"

Poem "Nigger"

This poem is titled with a racial slur to elaborate that it not only depicts slavery, but also speaks for black people generally. The poem is a description of enslaved blacks which calls them a "dead race." In discussing slavery, it contrasts their "hard roads and shackles" with their "lazy love of life" and singing that frightens whites. It finishes by dehumanizing them, deciding that, though they scare whites, they are "only" the title term.

Battiato, J. "Nigger." <em>The Messenger</em> LVI, no. 7 (Commencement Number 1930): 10. University Archives, RG 24 Student Publications. Virginia Baptist Historical Society, Richmond, Virginia.Virginia Baptist Historical Society, The Messenger 1920

The Messenger, University of Richmond

1929-1930

Gabby Kiser

Matt Mullen

English

MessengerLVI.7.10-1930