University Archives

Written 104 years apart, separated by thousands of miles, “If We Must Die” by Claude McKay and “If I Must Die” by Refaat Alareer are united by a common theme: attempting to make sense of death when the world feels stacked against an entire people. As stated by Chinua Achebe, “Until Lions have their own historian, the history of the hunt will glorify the hunter.” In times of oppression, people often turn to creative writing, particularly poetry, as an outlet to reclaim dignity, and as a form of resistance against their oppressor(s). The desire to die with meaning is a universal response to persecution, and this essay will explore how both poets interpret the question: how should one confront death under oppression? Jointly, both poets refuse to let persecution dictate the terms of their deaths. However, both poems also explore what it means to die with purpose when faced with oppression and violence. Through their different interpretations of sumud, McKay’s collective defiance and resistance, and Alareer’s hopeful endurance, both authors reveal poetry as a medium through which oppressed people choose the terms of their own struggle and death. They affirm that writing is one compelling way in which oppression and death are, if not defeated, at least compromised, not allowed the last word.