Racism
The poem throws an uncensored and raw look at American racism. It is based on the horrific killings of black people in the American south. The killings and humiliation of these people were fueled with racism. In an effort to further humiliate and dehumanize them, their bodies were left like a spectacle for the whites to stare at. The poet uses the metaphoric language of nature, trees and fruit that even effectively creates the image of horrific evil that came from racism.
History
The poem was based on the American history from the beginning of the 20th century and the horrifying and dehumanizing racism that took place. It is based on the horrifying reality. The history was recounted in a metaphoric poetic language that, paradoxically, vividly and effectively represents history.
Violence
The most importance message of the poem is the message of the anti-violence. It recounts horrific historic events, and represents the lowest form to which humanity can stoop. The pastoral and gallant south is in direct contrast with the brutal reality of the act committed against the black people. This poem shows the dehumanization of black people, comparing their bodies to fruits and crop, to relay the violence, a world completely devoid of humaneness and empathy.
