"I, Too"

Themes
o Racism
o American Identity
o Injustice
o Inequality
o Segregation
Analysis
o The speaker begins by asserting their right to have a voice and to be
heard.
o By saying, "I, too" the speaker is describing that they too like others, have
a role in representing and expressing the American experience.
o "kitchen" symbolizes the unequal treatment faced by black Americans.
Black people were often employed as domestic workers. Despite relying
on them, they would push them to the background/
o "company" symbolizes white guests.
o The speaker argues that segregation and racism will not make black
communities weak or discouraged; instead, they will grow strong
developing independent, economic, and political power.
o The speaker's determination to be at the table tomorrow expresses a
powerful commitment to fighting racism without compromise.
o Through the technique of parrarelism, the poet conveys that he is going to
be in command the next time.
o He wants the whites to feel regret and apologize for the racism.
o In the second iteration of him singing America, he drops the allusion to
Whitman as he no longer needs him.