African American literature has been deeply influenced by W. E. B. Du Bois, a towering figure of the civil rights movement and a renowned scholar of race relations in America. While his critiques of American society are well-known, Du Bois is perhaps best remembered for his famous concept of Double Consciousness, which he introduced in his book "The Souls of Black Folk." This theory refers to the sensation of being both Black and American, and the contradictions that arise from this dual identity. Double consciousness comprises a sense of oneself as seen through the eyes of others, which creates a tension between the two identities. Rather than being a temporary or random emotion, double consciousness is a consistent state of being, which Du Bois defines as "measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity." It is a socio-cultural construct that is experienced explicitly by people of African descent in America.

In addition to Double Consciousness, Du Bois also introduced the concept of the Veil in his book, which represents the invisible barriers that separate Black people from White people in America. The "veil" is a metaphor that Du Bois uses as a key concept in his book. It refers to the systemic racism, white supremacy, and segregation that are perpetuated in America. The veil stands for how white Americans and African Americans are perceived as "other," and the unjust racial inequality and division that are maintained by this perception. The notion of the Veil has helped us to better understand the experiences of black people in America and how they are distinct from the experiences of white people.

Du Bois's conceptual framework of Double Consciousness and the Veil is particularly useful for analyzing African American literature. Claude McKay's "America," "The White House," and Langston Hughes's "I, Too" are all exemplary works that use these concepts to express deeply felt attitudes about their black identities and to highlight the injustices that are perpetuated by the veil. Du Bois's ideas have had a profound impact on African American literature, challenging writers to explore the complexities of their dual identities within the American context. His theories remain relevant today as we continue to struggle with racial inequalities and social injustices.

Claude McKay's poem "The White House" is a significant piece of literature that effectively portrays the themes of double consciousness and the Veil coined by Du Bois. By using the White House as a symbol of white dominance and authority, McKay illustrates the struggle of African Americans to gain recognition and access to political and social power in the United States.

Du Bois' concept of double consciousness refers to the experience of African Americans where they are torn between their black identity and their American identity. McKay's poem reflects this experience as he recounts his personal growth as a black man in America. The White House, a symbol of political and social power, represents the contrast between the privilege of white Americans and the struggles of African Americans who are denied access to it. Despite physically contributing to its construction, black people are still denied political power and excluded from the American Dream.

McKay's poem challenges the notion of the American Dream, which suggests that anyone can succeed in America if they work hard enough. He argues that this dream is a fiction, especially for African Americans who experience the Veil that separates them from the rest of America. McKay's desire to be recognized as a full member of American society is evident when he writes, "Your door is shut against my tightened face." He wants to be acknowledged as an American with all the rights and privileges that come with that identity, but he knows that it won't come easy. He must fight against the Veil that separates him from the rest of America.

McKay argues that black people should seek political power in America, as this is the only way to achieve liberation and make laws that benefit them. The frustration and anger experienced by African Americans who are denied access to positions of privilege and power are captured in the line, "And my unhappiness is as steely as my will to carry it unbent and with pride."

Throughout history, laws have been set up to restrict black people from partaking in the political system, including voter restriction laws and homestead laws. African Americans have to manage their own identity, economic ambitions, and the limits imposed upon them by America's "white culture." McKay's use of first-person viewpoint and vivid imagery effectively conveys this experience.

In conclusion, McKay's poem "The White House" is an important work of literature that tackles the theme of double consciousness and the Veil. Through his use of the White House as a symbol, he highlights the struggle of African Americans to gain political power and access to positions of privilege and power. By using vivid imagery and personal experience, McKay effectively conveys the nuanced feelings and experiences of African Americans at this point in history.

The poem "I, Too" by Langston Hughes explores the experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century United States. The first line, "I, too, sing America," implies that despite being marginalized due to race, the speaker considers themselves American. This asserts the speaker's claim to belong and highlights their determination to assert their identity. The following line, "I am the darker brother," emphasizes the speaker's racial identity. By referring to themselves as a "brother," the speaker asserts their connection to the broader American community. African Americans have existed in America for nearly 400 years, yet they still face marginalization. The speaker acknowledges the difficulties they face, referring to being sent to eat in the kitchen when company comes. This expresses their sense of frustration with the fact that White Americans do not see Black people as fully American. However, the speaker also expresses hope for change, stating that they'll be at the table when company comes. This line expresses their sense of optimism and belief in the possibility of change.

Du Bois's concepts of double-consciousness and the Veil, as well as the poems by McKay and Hughes, help us understand the speaker's attitudes toward America. The concept of double consciousness refers to the sense of conflict within Black individuals about their identity. The Veil refers to the barrier that racism creates, preventing Black individuals from fully participating in American society. In McKay's poems "America" and "The White House," we can see how the Veil affects his sense of identity. McKay expresses his pride in his blackness but also wants recognition as an American with all the rights and privileges that come with it. Similarly, in Hughes's "I, Too," we can see the impact of the Veil on the speaker's identity. The speaker expresses pride in their American identity while acknowledging the difficulties that Black people face in the country. Through these three poems, we see how double-consciousness and the Veil create a sense of conflict and tension within Black individuals' identity in America. They express pride in their Black identity and hope for a more equal America.

These poems help us understand the complexities of Black experiences in America and their ongoing struggle for equality. Through language and imagery, these poems capture the nuances of Black experiences and attitudes toward America. The cited works by Brodwin, Bruce, and Cooper provide additional insight into Du Bois's ideas on double-consciousness and the Veil.

In the literary works of Claude McKay, two prominent pieces stand out: "America" and "The White House." These poems exhibit McKay's keen observations of American society, particularly in the realm of race relations.

Robert A. Smith wrote an essay in Phylon, entitled "Claude McKay: An Essay in Criticism," which delves into McKay's writing and its significance. Published in 1948, Smith's essay discusses how McKay's work shows the struggles of Black Americans in a society that often denied them basic rights.

Through "America," McKay captures the complexities of the American Dream for Black Americans. Despite the promise of freedom and equality, systemic racism and oppression prevent many Black Americans from achieving success and prosperity.

"The White House," on the other hand, offers a scathing critique of President Woodrow Wilson's administration and its lack of progress on civil rights. McKay exposes the hypocrisy of a nation that claims to champion democracy and freedom but fails to extend those principles to Black citizens.

Overall, McKay's writing sheds light on the harsh realities facing Black Americans during the early 20th century. Smith's essay honors McKay's legacy and the importance of his contributions to American literature.