Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

STILL  I  RISE

QUESTION :1:What is your understanding of the poem Still I Rise by Maya Angelou? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.

ABOUT THE POEM:

The poem "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou is a powerful testament to resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Through vivid imagery and confident assertions, Angelou confronts societal oppression, racism, and sexism, asserting her unwavering spirit and determination to rise above any attempts to diminish her worth. With each stanza, she defiantly proclaims her worth and celebrates her identity, embodying the resilience of generations of oppressed people who have overcome hardships and persevered. The poem serves as an anthem of empowerment and defiance, inspiring readers to embrace their own strength and rise above the challenges they may face.

ORIGINAL POEM:

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 haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

’Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame

I rise

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

Iam the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise.

EXPLANATION:

Stanza 1: People might try to say mean things about me and put me down, but I always find a way to stand back up, just like dust that never stays on the ground for too long.

Stanza 2: Ever wonder why some people get bothered by how confident and bold I am? It's like they can't handle the fact that I carry myself with such assurance, like I've got my own oil wells right in my house!

Stanza 3: You know, I'm a bit like the moon and the sun — I always come back, shining bright. Just like the tide always returns, and hope keeps popping up no matter what.

Stanza 4: Even when people want to see me sad or broken, I refuse to give them that satisfaction. Their cruel words won't bring me down; I won't let them break my spirit.

Stanza 5: Some folks seem to have a problem with how proud and confident I am. But hey, that's their issue, not mine. I laugh in the face of their envy, feeling as rich as if I had gold mines right in my backyard.

Stanza 6: No matter what people throw at me — harsh words, nasty looks — I won't let them knock me down. I'm as resilient as the air itself, always finding a way to rise above.

Stanza 7: My confidence and allure might make some people uncomfortable, but that's not my problem. I shine bright, like diamonds sparkling at the meeting of my thighs.

Stanza 8: I'm done letting the pain and shame of the past hold me back. I'm like a vast ocean, powerful and unyielding. Nothing can keep me down for long.

Stanza 9: Leaving behind those dark, fearful nights, I'm stepping into a new day full of clarity and hope. I carry the struggles and triumphs of my ancestors with me, embodying their dreams and hopes. I'm not just going to survive; I'm going to thrive. "I rise, I rise, I rise" — I say it loud and clear, declaring my strength and determination for all to hear.

QUESTION:2:Identify key literary devices used in the poem and provide examples, including original lines from the poem.

1.Metaphor:

Definition: Comparing two unlike things without using "like" or "as."

Example: 

"’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells "

" Pumping in my living room."

Explanation: In this line, the speaker compares her confidence to having oil wells in her living room, illustrating her strength and self-assuredness.

2. Simile:

 Definition: Comparing two unlike things using "like" or "as."

 Examples: 

 "Just like moons and like suns."

"Shoulders falling down like teardrops."

"That I dance like I've got diamonds / At the meeting of my thighs."

Explanation: These lines use similes to compare the speaker's resilience, vulnerability, and confidence to natural phenomena and precious gems, respectively.

3. Imagery:

 Definition: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

  Examples:

 "Shoulders falling down like teardrops."

"Out of the huts of history’s shame / I rise" 

"Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear / I rise"

 "I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,"

Explanation: These lines create vivid mental images, evoking emotions and emphasizing the speaker's resilience and strength.

4. Repetition:

Definition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.

Example: "Still I'll rise."

Explanation: The repetition of this phrase throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's determination and unwavering resolve to overcome obstacles.

5. Alliteration:

Definition: Repeating consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

Examples:

 "With your bitter, twisted lies."

 "Shoulders falling down like teardrops."

 Explanation: These lines use alliteration to create rhythm and draw attention to the negative actions and emotions described in the poem.

6.Symbolism:

Definition: Using symbols to represent deeper meanings or ideas.

Example: "I am the dream and the hope of the slave."

Explanation: In this line, the speaker symbolizes the dreams and hopes of those who have suffered oppression, embodying resilience and aspirations for freedom and equality.

Thank you.