The Tropics of New York
Claude McKay

In this poem the speaker's intent was to express how New York reminded him/her of his/her hometown. New York's "highest prize" fruits and "dewy dawns, and mystrical skies" brought back the yearning of his/her olden days.

Lady Freedom Among Us
Rita Dove

The author in this poem was trying to bring across the message that the Statue of Liberty or the "lady freedom" is more than just a statue, but a representation of freedom. As well as representing New York as an unforgettable place.

Cartoon
Jeff Parker

"In Light of recent events, we're all New Yorkers..."
Basically, the author's point in this cartoon is to illustrate that although we, as in New Yorkers (or even Americans), go through difficult times with war and other issues, we are all part of the "United" states...of America. Therefore, when we are going through times of need, we will all unite and help eachother out.

Mannahatta
Walt Whitman

The author of this poem is describing the wonderful things the great city of New York offers. His intentions of this poem is to bring across the joys he experiences of living in the big apple.

Connections

All of these poems and cartoon share a similar message, which is how the city of New York can affect lives. For instance, in "The Tropics of New York" Claude McKay states how the speaker experiences being "hungry for the old, familiar ways" after visitng New York. Or in Rita Dove's "Lady Freedom Among Us" she describes how people can actually experience freedom. In addition, in the cartoon by Jeff Parker, he demonstrates that being a New Yorker can make people considerate of others. Finally, in "Mannahatta", Walt Whitman only awknowleges the audience with amazing, every-day things he went through.