Question

select the correct answer.

which theme is reflected in this poem by countee cullen?

for a lady i know

she even thinks that up in heaven
her class lies late and snores

while poor black cherubs rise at seven
to do celestial chores.

social class discrimination
slavery in the south
gender inequality
child labor

Explanation:

Analyze the poem's literal meaning

The poem "For a Lady I Know" by Countee Cullen describes a wealthy white woman's perspective on the afterlife. She believes that in heaven, her social class will continue to sleep late while "poor black cherubs" wake up early to perform chores.

Identify the central conflict and satire

Cullen uses irony to critique the lady's belief that racial and class hierarchies persist in heaven. The contrast between her class resting and the black cherubs working highlights systemic inequality.

Connect the analysis to the options

The poem directly addresses the division of labor and privilege based on race and class. This aligns with the concept of social class discrimination, where one group is privileged over another.

Evaluate the incorrect options

• Slavery in the South: While related to racial injustice, the poem specifically targets class-based and racial assumptions of contemporary high society rather than historical Southern slavery.
• Gender inequality: The poem does not focus on gender-based disparities.
• Child labor: Although "cherubs" are depicted as working, this is a satirical metaphor for racialized domestic labor rather than a literal critique of child labor.

Answer:

• social class discrimination (Correct answer)
• slavery in the south
• gender inequality
• child labor