Song of the Sun

Both Jean Toomer’s “Song of the Sun” and Countee Cullen’s “Heritage” concern black inheritance. Toomer
locates black roots in the South and positions himself as a prodigal son that has returned to claim his birthright.
Cullen looks to Africa for affirmation but questions the accessibility of the far-off continent. Explore the issue of
inheritance in these two poems. Pay close attention to the natural imagery these poets use. How do both
poems express nostalgia or longing for a past that is disappearing or irretrievable?