Final answer:
Countee Cullen's 'For a Lady I Know' reflects the theme of social class discrimination, juxtaposing the ease of the upper class with the labor of 'poor black cherubs,' to critique racial and social inequalities. The poem is part of Cullen's broader engagement with themes of racial identity and inequality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem 'For a Lady I Know' by Countee Cullen reflects the theme of social class discrimination. Through the contrast between the laziness of the upper class in heaven ("Her class lies late and snores") and the hard work of the "poor black cherubs" who wake up early to do "celestial chores," Cullen critiques the social divisions and injustices that are projected into the afterlife. The poem suggests that even in heaven, the rigidities of social class and racial inequality persist. The lines underscore the persistent discrimination that places a higher burden on the black cherubs—a metaphor for the African-American population.
Countee Cullen's work is marked by his engagement with themes related to racial identity and critique of the social constructs of his time. His poetry often reflects on the experiences of African Americans and their position in society. The theme of social class discrimination in the poem can therefore be understood within the broader context of Cullen's exploration of race and inequality as critical issues within the African-American experience.
The scholars' diverse interpretations of African-American literature, as mentioned in the reference materials, contribute to our understanding of the complex literary devices used by poets like Cullen to convey their subtle critiques of the social injustices of their time. These works often delve into issues beyond mere condemnation of slavery, but rather embody a nuanced interaction with the poets' own identities and cultural heritage.