Name: Class:

On Broadway
By Claude McKay
1922

Festus Claudius “Claude” McKay (1889-1948) was a Jamaican American novelist and poet who played an
important role in the Harlem Renaissance — a cultural, social, and artistic movement that took place in
Harlem, New York. “On Broadway” was published in McKay’s 1922 collection of poems called Harlem
Shadows. As you read, take notes on what the imagery and tone contribute to the poem's meaning.

[1] About me young careless feet

1
Linger along the garish street;
Above, a hundred shouting signs
Shed down their bright fantastic glow
[5] Upon the merry crowd and lines
Of moving carriages below.
Oh wonderful is Broadway — only
My heart, my heart is lonely.

Desire naked, linked with Passion,

2
[10] Goes trutting by in brazen fashion;
3
From playhouse, cabaret and inn
"Music City" by Thomas Hawk is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
The rainbow lights of Broadway blaze
4
All gay without, all glad within;
As in a dream I stand and gaze
[15] At Broadway, shining Broadway — only
My heart, my heart is lonely.

“On Broadway” by Claude McKay (1922) is in the public domain.

1. Garish (adjective): excessively vivid, showy, or bright

2. Brazen (adjective): bold; without shame or humility
3. a restaurant or nightclub that provides entertainment
4. lighthearted and carefree

1
 Text-Dependent Questions
Directions: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. Consider the imagery used to portray Broadway in lines 3-6 and 11-13. How does this
imagery contribute to the central theme of the text?
A. The imagery used to describe Broadway presents it as overcrowded,
contributing to the theme of social pressure.
B. The imagery used presents Broadway as a place of bright lights and “merry
crowd[s],” which is juxtaposed (contrasted) against the theme of loneliness.
C. The imagery used to describe Broadway presents it as a well-lit place filled with
energy and electricity, contributing to the theme of how technology can better
people’s lives.
D. The imagery used presents Broadway as “garish” and superficially lighted,
contributing to the themes of greed and corruption.

2. PART A: Which of the following best describe the tone of the poem?
A. Awed yet saddened
B. Wistful yet angry
C. Excited yet scared
D. Happy yet wary

3. PART B: Which of the following quotes best supports the answer to Part A?
A. “Above, a hundred shouting signs / Shed down their bright fantastic glow / Upon
the merry crowd and lines / Of moving carriages below.” (Lines 3-6)
B. “Desire naked, linked with Passion, / Goes trutting by in brazen fashion” (Lines
9-10)
C. “From playhouse, cabaret and inn / The rainbow lights of Broadway blaze / All
gay without, all glad within” (Lines 11-13)
D. “As in a dream I stand and gaze / At Broadway, shining Broadway — only / My
heart, my heart is lonely.” (Lines 14-16)

4. Which of the following best describe the speaker’s point of view regarding Broadway?
A. The speaker plainly loves Broadway and all of the glitz and glamour it proudly
wears.
B. The speaker is not really seeing Broadway’s faults, as he experiences it as if in a
dream.
C. The speaker thinks it is wonderful and beautiful, yet there is a clear loneliness
and isolation he feels from it.
D. The speaker looks upon Broadway as a place of flashiness and superficiality.

2
5. How does the repetition of the phrase “only my heart, my heart is lonely” contribute to the
poem's theme?

3
 Discussion Questions
Directions: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared to
share your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. Do you think McKay's background as a literary figure in the Harlem Renaissance had any
influence on this poem? If so, in what ways? Cite evidence from the text, your own
experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

2. Why do you think the speaker is so lonely? Have you ever felt the same way in a crowd? In
the context of this poem, what does it mean to feel alone? Cite evidence from this text, your
own experience, and other literature or art in your answer.

3. In the context of this poem, what makes America unique? Consider any potential
relationship between the bright and bustling streets of New York City and the American
Dream in your answer. Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other
literature, art, or history in your answer.