Maya Angelou Phenomenal Woman Essay

In the poem ‘Still I Rise’ by Maya Angelou, the poet uses repetition, metaphors and similes to express to her audience about how she has overcome racism in her life through demonstrating a strong, proud and defiant attitude to inspire others.

Maya Angelou acclaimed poet and author wrote a poem entitled “America”. The poem offers words of truth of our country America. The poem begins, “ The gold of her promise, has never been mined.” America, promises us that all men are created equal. The first problem with the promise is we are not all men. The gold of her promise, address equality. Although it is promised to all in this country, its never delivered, when discrimination, of race and gender are still existent. “Her borders of justice, not clearly defined.” We all have our opinions on what justice is, because circumstances differ when we speak of justice in the terms of punishment, to make up for ones wrong doing. Yet, the borders of justice are not

Welcome and thankyou to this discussion on celebrating a poet whose powerful language engages and influences others. The poet whose contributions demonstrate these features is Maya Angelou whose influence is evident in the poetry she produced. Maya Angelou is an American poet and civil rights activist, born in 1928 whose poetry is famous for its inspiration and is considered ‘one of the great voices of contemporary literature.’ (Metacritic, 2015) Maya Angelou’s personal and cultural experiences communicate the power of the African- Americans during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and 1970s era to overcome adversity and oppression that are clearly reflected in her inspirational poems ‘Caged Bird’ and ‘Still I Rise.’ An analysis of these poems reveals that

When I first read this poem, I was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions. Maya Angelou depicts herself as a fighter that will never give up, no matter the circumstances. She has obviously faced some difficult situations in her life that should have stopped her but she continues to triumph in the face of adversity. In this way, I am inspired to continue pursuing my goals. I also felt discouraged and disgusted, mostly because of the types of obstacles that are described in this poem. It is symbolizes the obstacles that many African Americans faced in the past as a result of the abolition of slavery, racism and inequality. The discouraging part of this poem is that some of these very inequalities and injustices still go on today. So, while this poem illustrates strength,

Maya Angelou, a mother, a dancer, a singer, an actress, a poet, an author, and a civil rights activist, has become one of the most influential women in the world. Growing up as an African-American in the most racial conflictive years, Angelou has faced many struggles throughout her life. Those struggles didn’t stop her from doing what she loved and standing up for what she believed in. Angelou never gave up and always fought for justice whether it was through writing, performing, or speaking. Maya Angelou’s life experiences have influenced how she writes and performs.

Maya Angelou is a woman that has done so much in her life time I would not know where to begin. There is always one poem that she published that will stick in my heart forever. The poem “Still I Rise” is a phenomenal poem that I think everyone of every race should have the pleasure of being a part of. "Still I Rise" You may write me down in history, with your bitter, twisted lies, you may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, with the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries. Does my

“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”. Once said Maya Angelou, a poet, author, screenwriter, actress and and a civil rights activist who wrote poems intelligently and always with a gaping reason deeply within them, which made them rather fascinating. As we look back on Maya Angelou’s life, she had an incredible journey, fighting discriminations and harsh circumstances during her youth, she is truly an astonishing person who is worth of to be spoken as an important poet in history and one of the greatest in the poetic world.

Maya Angelou’s work reflects greatly on the influence of women in her life (Maya Angelou DISCovering Authors ). One of her biggest female influences was Mrs. Flowers, who happened to be her next door neighbor during her childhood. She was beautiful, cultivated, and a prideful black. Mrs. Flowers took Maya under her wing and taught her to love books (Maya Angelou Exploring). In “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou she states “Now you understand/ Just why my head’s not bowed.” in relation to Mrs. Flowers being able to teach her to be proud of who she is. Maya Angelou was inspired due to the person Mrs. Flowers

Maya Angelou, her real name Marguerite Annie Johnson, is a Black woman living in the united-States in 1957 when the book begins. She lived her childhood in Arkansas, after her parents ended their marriage. Her grandmother raised her and her brother Bailey. After a while, her mother returned to take her and Bailey. She gave birth to her son Guy when she was a teenager and took care of him mostly all by herself. She had many jobs, in singing and dancing. After meeting John Killens, he told her to become a published writer. She joined the Harlem Writers Guild after moving to New-York. She was also the coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Martin Luther King’s office. Growing up in the south, Maya was really affected by

Maya Angelou “You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies- You may trod me in the very dirt- But still, like dust, I’ll rise. Did you want to see me broken?

The poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou, addresses White people who discriminate African Americans. During this period of time, Black people were not being treated equally, with this poem Angelou wants to defend African Americans. As a civil rights activist it is her job to fight for people's rights. By employing simile, imagery, and repetition, Angelou defends African Americans against their oppressors and shows that people have to be confident and strong, and not feel put down but rise above their problems.

Majority of African American women get judged on the day to day basis. When scrolling through social media there will be large amounts of individuals who will bully or even belittle a colored female because of the natural kinks of her hair, her sense of fashion, the full shaped curves of her body, and the color of her skin . The poem “Still I Rise” by the well-known poet, Maya Angelou, specifically describes the reasons why she had so much confidence; even if she were to be judged by her appearances and mindset. This poem is about embracing females, but it mainly introduces similar life situations that many African American women have experienced. The symbols and point of view that Angelou specifically added in her poem made her readers realize that there are many meanings to this poem.

Maya Angelou is recognized as one of the most profound poets of the twentieth century. With her extensive wisdom of everyday life came a long and rigorous past of overcoming racial prejudices and treacherous mishap. Angelou was born on April 4th, 1928, making her the second child (her brother Bailey Jr. being the oldest) of the calamitous marriage between Bailey Johnson and Vivian Johnson. When Angelou was only three years old, her father and mother divorced. As a result of their divorce, Maya and Bailey Jr moved to Stamps, Arkansas to live with Bailey Sr.’s mother. At the age of eight, Maya was sexually abused and raped by her mother’s boyfriend, Freeman. Soon after his release from prison, Maya’s uncles tracked him down and murdered Freeman.

One central idea developed in a letter to my daughter is that forgiveness, acceptance and moving on are the milestones to a better life.

In the poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelo expresses many viewpoints on the topic of women. She describes the many attributes of women throughout the poem. Many think that a slim and trim body or pretty faces are the many features of a true woman. But Angelo explains the small insignificant features of a woman that people or society never mention. She believes and convinces the reader that these are the marks of a woman. The poems central idea is; Women should embrace their natural traits and characteristics even if society keeps telling you otherwise.