The White House (Claude McKay poem) Summary

The speaker addresses American society and white supremacists, which are symbolically represented as a white house. The door of this house is shut against the speaker, but he maintains a tight, calm expression. He is “sharp as steel” with his frustration over this exclusion, but uses his courage and grace to stand straight and proud (Lines 2-4). Turning from the closed door, the speaker walks down a burning-hot street and ironically compares himself to a savage as he simmers with anger. This supposedly “decent,” manicured street contains houses with shining glass doors shuttered and closed against the speaker (Line 7). The speaker searches within himself to find the strength to contain his anger against racism and obey the laws of those in the white house. He pledges to keep his heart pure and protected from the poison of hatred.