Parent Guide > If We Must Die
Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.
This week in class, we’re reading "If We Must Die" by Claude McKay.
Claude McKay (1889-1948) was a Jamaican-American writer and poet who was a seminal figure during the Harlem Renaissance. In this poem, McKay discusses facing death and other obstacles with courage and dignity, and reflects upon his perspective on the black experience during early 20th century America.
As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Death, Honor & Courage, and Resilience & Success as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :
"How does a person overcome adversity?", "How do people face death?", and "What does it mean to be brave?"
Ways to support your child:
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Ask your child about this poem at home:
- What was "If We Must Die" about?
- What did you learn about Death?
- What did you learn about Honor & Courage?
- What did you learn about Resilience & Success?
- Watch the following clips with your child at home: