“Cora Unashamed” explores the interdependent relationship between a Black woman and a white employer and confronts the perception that Black survival requires dependence on white society and cooperation with an unjust economic system. Hughes’s personal life and economic views provide contextual layers to the story’s message about this relationship. Though he denied being a communist, his sympathy for communist philosophy suggests a critical view of America’s segregated capitalist system. He portrays the lack of economic opportunity for African Americans through Cora Jenkins, whose character arc reflects this thematic message.

In the initial stage of Cora’s character arc, she believes she has no better option than to work for a white employer who treats her terribly. The narrator states, “She worked for the Studevants, who treated her like a dog. She stood it. Had to stand it; or work for poorer white folks who would treat her worse; or go jobless” (3-4). Because of this belief, Cora responds to their abuse with meekness and docility, answering always, “Yes, ma’m” (4). The Studevants take the belief even further; they see the relationship as one of ownership. The narrator states, “The Studevants thought they owned her, and they were perfectly right: they did” (4).