Maya Angelou Poem Analysis

PoemAnalysis

By Sara Bhonhariya

Hamilton's English class

During the week of 04/17-04/21; 2023

Maya Angelou

Her poems include:1. "Still I Rise" 2. "Phenomenal Woman" 3. "On the pulse of Morning" 4. "Kin" 5. "Caged Bird"

Who was she?

Maya Angelou was an American author, poet, and civil rights activist, best known for her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings". She received many awards and honors throughout her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Angelou passed away in 2014 at the age of 86.

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude" - Maya Angelou

"I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." - Maya Angelou

Biography on Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was an American author, poet, a screenwriter, and a civil rights activist. She worked alongside other civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She received numerous awards and honors, including the Preidental Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of arts and the Quill Award for poetry.

Angelou was best known for her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and her poetry. She published several volumes of poetry throughout her career, including "Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie," "And Still I Rise" and "Phenomenal Woman". Her poetry often explores themes of identity, race, personal growth, self-accpectance, struggle for equality and human experience. In addition to poetry and memoirs, Angelou also wrote plays, screenplays, and children's books.

Angelou's Poems

Although Maya Angelous has written many poems, there are 5 that I would like to focus on. 1. "And Still I Rise" 2. "Phenomenal Woman" 3. "On the pulse of Morning" 4. "Kin" 5. "Caged Bird"

Poem Analysis

"Caged Bird" is a poem that explores the theme of freedom. The poem is written in two stanzas of unequal length, with the first stanza describing the free bird and the second stanza describing the caged bird.  In the first stanza, the free bird is described as flying "on the back of the wind" and "dipping his wings in the orange sun rays." These lines use metaphor to describe the bird's freedom, suggesting that it is able to move quickly and easily through the world. The bird is also described as having "a nerve to claim the sky," which is personification that suggests the bird has a sense of entitlement to the sky.  The second stanza describes the caged bird, which is "his wings are clipped and / his feet are tied." These lines use metaphor to describe the bird's captivity, suggesting that the bird is unable to move freely. The bird is also described as "a bird that cannot fly," which is a metaphor that emphasizes the bird's lack of freedom.  The poem's central metaphor is the contrast between the free bird and the caged bird. The free bird represents freedom, while the caged bird represents captivity. The poem suggests that freedom is a natural state of being, and that captivity is an unnatural and oppressive condition.

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Unknown words & their definitions

Mien- from the poem "Touched by an Angel" Definition: a person's look or manner, especially on of a particular kind indicating their character or mood

Resilient- from the poem "Still I Rise"Definition: able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions

Phenomenal- from the poem "Phenomenal Woman." Definition: remarkable or exceptional, especially exceptionally good

Pensive- from the poem "When Great Trees Fall" Definition: engaged in, involving or reflecting deep or serious thought

Belligerent- from the poem "Our Grandmothers." Definition: hostile and aggressive

How did Maya Angelou's life inspired her work?

Maya Angelou's life experiences greatly influenced her writing, poems, and work. She faced many challenges and struggles throughout her life, including poverty, racism, and sexual abuse. However, she also experienced moments of great joy and triumph, such as becoming the first Black woman to have a screenplay produced in Hollywood and being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Angelou's writing often explored themes of identity, race, and gender, drawing from her own experiences and the experiences of those around her. Her work was deeply personal and often dealt with difficult subjects, but it also celebrated the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Angelou's poetry, in particular, was known for its powerful and uplifting messages, encouraging readers to rise above adversity and embrace their own strength and beauty. Her most famous poem, "Still I Rise," is a testament to the human spirit and a call to action for those who have faced oppression and discrimination. Overall, Maya Angelou's life and experiences inspired her writing and work, driving her to create powerful and meaningful works that continue to resonate with readers today.

What is the relationship between poetry, activism, and global issues?

How do Maya Angelou & her poems relate to the EQs?

1. Relationship between poetry, activism, and global issues: Maya Angelou's poetry is a great example of how poetry can be used as a tool for activism and to raise awareness about global issues. Her work often dealt with themes of identity, race, and gender, and she used her writing to speak out against injustice and discrimination. 2. Use of figurative language and phrases: Maya Angelou's poetry is known for its powerful use of figurative language and phrases. She used metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to convey complex emotions and ideas in a way that was both accessible and impactful. 3. Creative perspective-taking: Poetry allows authors to take on different perspectives and explore different ideas and emotions. Maya Angelou's poetry often drew from her own experiences and the experiences of those around her, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of others and encouraging empathy and understanding. 4. Transformation of culture: Poetry has the power to transform culture by challenging existing norms and beliefs and inspiring new ways of thinking. Maya Angelou's poetry, with its themes of resilience, strength, and empowerment, has had a profound impact on readers around the world, inspiring them to rise above adversity and embrace their own power and beauty.

How do poets use figurative words and phrases to impact the meaning of their work?

ow does poetry allow authors to do some creative perspective-taking?

How could poetry transforma culture?