The Hidden Homosexual Theme in Countee Cullen’s Poetry

Any literary work reflects not only the time and culture of an author’s surroundings, but also mirrors the writer’s individual experiences. It is for this reason literary anthologies generally include brief biographies of an author along with his works. Biographical backgrounds are a useful tool in analyzing literature, but are especially valuable when dealing with the multi-faceted Harlem Renaissance poet, Countee Cullen. Interestingly, The Norton Anthology of African American Literature omits the important biographical detail of Cullen’s homosexuality. Although the reader can ascertain a limited understanding of Cullen’s poetry without this knowledge, to comprehend the subtle nuances within his verse the poet’s sexuality is an essential key.

Before attempting to analyze this aspect of Cullen’s poetry, it is important to contextualize the poet’s experience as a black gay poet. Cullen’s early childhood is somewhat hazy. He was born in 1903 to Elizabeth Lucas in Louisville, Kentucky. From infancy through his eleventh year, he lived with Elizabeth Porter, who is thought to be his paternal grandmother. After Porter died, Cullen was adopted by the Re

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