![]() ![]() The language of the bible mingle in her poems". Thus, proving statements made by Cookson when she writes ". In line 4 of the poem she declares that despite her circumstance "still" like the "dust" of the ground she shall rise. In the first stanza of this particular poem, she has an attitude that exemplifies her strong-willed character as she refers to the many things that she has encountered throughout her lifetime. Through the creativity of similes and imagery in Angelou's poem "Still I Rise" she is able to paint a picture of herself that reveals her as a strong woman of color by displaying her level of determination and perseverance to overcome racial discrimination. ![]() Furthermore, Cookson quotes that, "The musical currents of blues and jazz, the rhythm of rap songs, and the language of the Bible mingle in her poems. According to Cecil, This may have been influenced by her career as a dancer and as a Broadway actress. ![]() She does in such a manner that almost forces the auditor to say it with her and eventually acknowledge that she is not a "pretty woman", but "a phenomenal woman/ phenomenally". Due to Angelou's history of musicality she incorporates this style of repetition just as a hook or chorus to a song. " The person repeats the following lines at the end of each stanza: I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman Furthermore, the Angelou uses repetition which according to Cecil "helps give the poem a flow and makes it seem more familiar and lyrical. This is yet another display of Angelou's character proving that she is proud of the physical features she has that make her inimitable. Angelou was an imposing woman standing at about six feet tall(Cecil 1998). Looking at lines 1-4 above, rather than the traditional looks that are generally accepted from men of female models, she illuminates the less noticeable features of her body that make her unique in a special way.Īlthough an exact number was unmentioned, she specifically refers to her height in line 3 above. After reading the lines above, there is no doubt that the she does not view herself as a woman with model beauty, but, in her perspective, a phenomenal woman. It's in the reach of my arms The p of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. " After initially reading these first two lines, it is possible for them to be mistaken for insecurities, but as one reads further, it is clear that Angelou is not ashamed of her individuality but indeed exuberantly modest. Then, in line 2 she reassures the auditor of her disposition when she writes "I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size. " Thus, suggesting that she does not even consider herself as attractive. The auditor purposely separates herself from the "in-crowd", which in this case is "pretty women. She displays this in the first line of the poem, when she says "Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. The persona in "Phenomenal Woman," portrays a strong, proud woman of modesty and humility which is undoubtedly Angelou. To begin with, Angelou believes that being "phenomenal" does not come from the beauty that is accepted from others but from one's genuine uniqueness. Through careful study and analysis of Angelou's poetry followed by research obtained from research an understanding of who she was and the message she was trying to get across may be developed. Cecil provides a door of understanding as she analytically goes into depth on explaining Dr. In addition, Kelly Holland Cecil, a student who attended University of North Carolina in 1998, conducted a thorough analysis on many of Angelou's Poems. Sandra Cookson is the author of an article featured in World Literature Today, published by the University of Oklahoma, who does a wonderful job of illuminating Angelou's impactful messages that lie within her poem "Still I Rise". Altogether, her works are representations of who she is and what she believes in. Through her powerful delivery of words she dually embodies her captivating personality and demeanor. She experienced harsh racial discrimination throughout her lifetime, and yet in the midst of her trials she never loses self-respect or confidence. Maya Angelou, born April 24, 1928, was a phenomenal poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist known as one of the greatest voices of renaissance.
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