EQUALITY BY MAYA ANGELOU
QUESTION:1:What's your understanding of the poem Equality?
ABOUT THE POET:
Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928, was an influential American author and poet, celebrated for her autobiographical works delving into themes of identity, family, and racism. Renowned for her groundbreaking memoir, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," Angelou's literary contributions earned her international recognition, numerous honorary degrees, and accolades, including a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize for her poetry collection, "Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Diiie." She was also a prominent figure in the Civil Rights movement and made history by reciting her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993.
EQUALITY ORIGINAL POEM:
You declare you see me dimly
through a glass which will not shine,
though I stand before you boldly,
trim in rank and marking time.
You do own to hear me faintly
as a whisper out of range,
while my drums beat out the message
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
You announce my ways are wanton,
that I fly from man to man,
but if I'm just a shadow to you,
could you ever understand ?
We have lived a painful history,
we know the shameful past,
but I keep on marching forward,
and you keep on coming last.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
Take the blinders from your vision,
take the padding from your ears,
and confess you've heard me crying,
and admit you've seen my tears.
Hear the tempo so compelling,
hear the blood throb in my veins.
Yes, my drums are beating nightly,
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
Explanation
Stanza 1:
In this stanza, Maya Angelou describes the way society perceives her. She feels as though she's being seen only partially, like a shadow seen through a cloudy glass. Despite her confidence and assertiveness, society fails to fully recognize her presence. She compares herself to a faint whisper that struggles to be heard, while her essence and identity remain unchanged.
Stanza 2:
This stanza is a powerful assertion of the connection between equality and freedom. By repeating the phrase "Equality, and I will be free," Angelou emphasizes that true freedom can only be achieved when there is equality for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.
Stanza 3:
Here, Angelou addresses the unfair stereotypes and judgments placed upon her and others like her. She questions whether those who hold such biases truly understand her experiences and struggles. Angelou challenges the narrow-minded views of society, suggesting that understanding requires empathy and an open mind.
Stanza 4:
Angelou acknowledges the painful history of oppression and discrimination faced by marginalized communities, particularly African Americans. Despite this history, she expresses her determination to keep moving forward. The reference to "marking time" suggests a sense of perseverance and progress, even in the face of societal resistance.
Stanza 5:
Repeating the refrain from stanza 2, Angelou reaffirms the central idea that equality is essential for true freedom. This repetition emphasizes the importance of this message and underscores its significance within the poem.
Stanza 6:
In this stanza, Angelou urges society to remove their metaphorical blinders and truly see and hear the struggles of the oppressed. She calls for acknowledgment and confession of the injustices faced by marginalized communities. The references to crying and tears evoke a sense of emotional urgency and highlight the human toll of inequality.
Stanza 7:
Once again, Angelou repeats the refrain, driving home the message that equality is necessary for genuine freedom. By ending the poem with this repetition, she leaves readers with a powerful reminder of the importance of striving for equality in society.
QUESTION:2:Write a poem on the theme of equality.
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