Still I Rise by Maya Angelou (2024)

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1. Title: "Unyielding Spirit: A Study of 'Still I Rise' by Maya Angelou"

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2. Information

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3. Table of Contents

● Questions to be Addressed

● Introduction

● About the Author

● Analysis

● Key Literary Devices Used in the Poem

1. Simile

2. Metaphor

3. Repetition

4. Rhetorical Question

5. Structure and Form

6. Imagery

7. Symbolism

● Conclusion

● References

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4. Questions to be Addressed:

1. How does the meaning of the poem evolve as we progress through each stanza?

2. How do similes and metaphors enhance the imagery in "Still I Rise"?

3. What effect does the repetition of certain phrases have on the overall tone of the poem?

4. How does Maya Angelou use symbolism to convey her message of resilience and empowerment?

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5. Introduction:

"Still I Rise" is a poem by the American civil rights activist and writer Maya Angelou. One of Angelou's most acclaimed works, the poem was published in Angelou’s third poetry collection "And Still I Rise" in 1978. Broadly speaking, the poem is an assertion of the dignity and resilience of marginalized people in the face of oppression. Because Angelou often wrote about blackness and black womanhood, "Still I Rise" can also be read more specifically as a critique of anti-black racism.

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6. Quote:

"It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody."

- Maya Angelou

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7. About the Author:

Maya Angelou (born Marguerite Annie Johnson; on April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.[3] Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.

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8. Analysis:

'Still I Rise' by Maya Angelou - 1987 - Live Performance.Click Here

8. Stanza: 1

The poet expresses her determination and courage in this poem, saying that nothing and no one can hold her back or crush her spirit. She rejects the false narratives of history books that distort the truth. She is not bothered by the fact that others have treated her "like dirt". She says that even if she is pushed to the ground, she will rise like dust.

8. Stanza: 2

In the second stanza, she asks a question. This is an interesting question, as she calls her own voice "sassy" and wonders if it bothers the listener. When the poet achieves something, she notices that the people around her in her society are "filled with gloom". She questions this. She knows that she has done well in life, writing, and as a woman.

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

Pumping in my living room."

-symbolize her success.

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9. Stanza: 3

In this stanza, she compares herself to the moon and sun, which are both affected by the tides. This shows the reader that the speaker has no choice but to overcome her hardship. No matter how much society tries to keep her down, it is in her nature to rise and resist oppression, just like the tides follow the moon.

9. Stanza: 4

The speaker's questions in this stanza are direct, relevant, and appropriately accusing. She knows that the racists in her society will be angry at her own accomplishment. So she addresses her questions to a culture that has always tried to keep her down. She asks if they want to see her broken, subjugated, unhappy, and bitter. She asks these questions knowing that this is exactly what many people in society want. They did not want to see a black woman thrive despite social injustice. The speaker is aware of this, and she exposes it with her insightful yet sharp questions.

9. Stanza: 5

She continues her questions about a racist society by asking if her "pride" is offensive. She knows that society hates seeing a black woman full of confidence. This question has a sarcastic tone, revealing society's double standard as it is furious by the success of someone it has tried to repress. The speaker goes on in a mocking tone, pretending to comfort the listener. The poet says, "Don't you be too upset." This is her witty way of pretending to care about the people who oppose her success. But she keeps on "showing off" her achievements in front of the society that has always oppressed her. She says she has "gold mines" and laughs at her new fortune.

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10. Stanza: 6

In this stanza, she tells society that whatever they do to oppress her, it will not work. The poet tells society that it cannot beat her with words or looks. She says that society cannot win against her, even if it manages to kill her because of its hatred. She says she will keep on rising "like air".

10. Stanza: 7

The speaker keeps on questioning society. By this point in the poem, it is clear that the speaker has put society on trial and is now interrogating it. She knows the answers to these questions, but asking them would expose the guilty party. While asking incriminating questions, she shows great self-esteem in the face of societal persecution.

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11. Stanza: 8

In this stanza, the speaker finally refers to the past, which is the reason why she is still oppressed and disliked today. She calls slavery "history's disgrace" and says that she will not be chained by the past, even if it is "painful".

11. Stanza: 9

In the final stanza, the speaker declares her intention to leave behind all the effects of slavery and tyranny and rise above them. She vows that she will leave behind "fear and terror" and fly above the sorrow and oppression "into a daybreak that's wonderfully clear". The speaker does not want to let society's hatred or the sadness of the past stop her from becoming everything she has ever dreamed of. As a result, she repeats it three times:

"I rise

I rise

I rise."

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12. Key Literary Devices Used in the Poem

12. ● Simile:

A simile is a comparison of two unlike items that employs the terms "like" or "as". A poet utilizes this type of figurative language to express that one item is comparable to another, as opposed to metaphor, which states that it "is" another.

Examples:

"But still, like dust, I'll rise."
"’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells"
"Just like moons and like suns,"
"Just like hopes springing high,"
"Shoulders falling down like teardrops,"
"’Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines"
"But still, like air, I’ll rise."
"That I dance like I've got diamonds"

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13. ● Metaphor:

Metaphor appears in the last section of "Still I Rise." In lines 21-23, for example, the speaker used figurative language when outlining the different things her oppressor may do to harm her:

"You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,"

Of course, you cannot actually "shoot" someone with words since words are not bullets; similarly, "eyes" are not blades and cannot "cut" somebody, and "hatefulness" is not, in and of itself, lethal. The speaker employs figurative language to highlight how difficult it is to be surrounded by racism in society—how much it hurts to be bombarded with nasty rhetoric, looks, and a general sense of being detested.

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14. ● Repetition:

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple lines, usually in succession.

Examples:

"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."

"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,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise."

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15. ● Rhetorical Question:

A rhetorical question is one that is not intended to be answered; rather, it is presented to clarify the point.

Examples:

"Does my sassiness upset you?"
"Does my sexiness upset you?"
"Did you want to see me broken?"

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16. ● Structure and Form:

The poem 'Still I Rise' is nine stanzas long and divided into unequal lines. The first seven stanzas include four lines, known as quatrains, while the eighth has six and the ninth has nine. The first seven stanzas have a rhyme scheme of ABCB, the eighth ABABCC, and the ninth ABABCCBBB.

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17. ● Imagery:

This is a poem that uses many pictures to express its meaning. The first line shows a picture of "dust" that helps the speaker say what she wants. She says that when the wind of change comes, dust cannot be stopped. She will also rise like dust and make everyone who was against her unable to see.

The next stanza of the poem also have more pictures. For example, we can see oil wells that are spilling oil. The third stanza has pictures of the moon, the sun, and the water that moves up and down. In this poem, the water goes very high. It is like "hope."

There is a picture of a black person who is suffering a lot. The picture shows how the bad hand hurt them and made them quiet. Angelou uses the words "gold mines" and "diamonds" to show how this poem is different from what it seems. At the end, the "black ocean" shows how strong the speaker and her people are. They are as big and amazing as the ocean.

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18. ● Symbolism:

Angelou's 'Still I Rise' is a symbolic poem. It comprises multiple symbols that represent various thoughts. For example, in the first verse, the poet employs "dirt" as a symbol. It reflects the historical treatment of the black community.

The following stanzas include multiple symbolic references. These are "oil wells", "gold mines", and "diamonds". They jointly refer to the speaker's resourcefulness. These symbols are not about worldly possessions; rather, they allude to her intellectual prosperity.

In the fourth stanza, the moon and sun symbolize the speaker herself. The upward movement of the tides represents how optimism springs in her heart for the future. Furthermore, some expressions in this sentence deal with the concept of slavery, such as "bowed head and lowered eyes."

The eighth verse contains an essential symbol of the "black ocean". The ocean signifies Black people. "I'm a black ocean" says the speaker. Here, it represents force and immensity. Another sign appears in the final stanza's use of the term "night". It symbolizes fear, oppression, and pessimism.

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19. ●Conclusion:

In the poem's conclusion, Angelou speaks with clear confidence. She declares that no matter the pain or oppression, she will always rise. It's a simple yet strong message of resilience and hope. Her words encourage everyone to stand tall and face challenges with the belief that they can rise above them.

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20. ●References:

Corfman, Allisa. "Still I Rise by Maya Angelou". Poem Analysis, https://poemanalysis.com/maya-angelou/still-i-rise/. Accessed 8 April 2024.

Chen, Wendy. "Still I Rise." LitCharts. LitCharts LLC, 28 Oct 2019. https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/maya-angelou/still-i-rise. Accessed 8 Apr 2024.

OpenAI. ChatGPT. OpenAI, 2021.https://www.openai.com/chatgpt.

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Here are the photos that I used in my presentation.

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FAQs

What is the message of Still I Rise by Maya Angelou? ›

Still I Rise” is primarily about self-respect and confidence. In the poem, Angelou reveals how she will overcome anything through her self-esteem. She shows how nothing can get her down. She will rise to any occasion and nothing, not even her skin color, will hold her back.

What is the best line in Still I Rise by Maya Angelou? ›

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.

What does Maya Angelou mean when she says I'll rise? ›

Broadly speaking, the poem is an assertion of the dignity and resilience of marginalized people in the face of oppression. Because Angelou often wrote about blackness and black womanhood, "Still I Rise" can also be read more specifically as a critique of anti-black racism.

What message does the poet hope to convey in the poem Still I Rise? ›

In this poem by Maya Angelou, we focus on the importance of perseverance and persistence denoted by "still I rise". The poet describes the way people have judged her, the obstacles and adversities in her life and the way she has overcome all this.

What is the life lesson of Still I Rise? ›

Maya Angelou uses her poem "Still I Rise" to celebrate self-love and self-acceptance. Through the different themes and emotions, the poet praises her inner strength and her ability to overcome any obstacle.

What is a short summary of Still I Rise? ›

“Still I Rise” is a poem by the American poet Maya Angelou (1928–2014). This poem is a protest song that is both defiant and happy. It is about the power of the human spirit to overcome discrimination and hardship, and it shows how Angelou has felt as a black American woman.

What does the black ocean represent in Still I Rise? ›

The "black ocean" metaphor in "Still I Rise" represents the collective strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of Black people. It symbolizes the powerful, unstoppable force of a community that has faced and overcome immense struggles, rising above adversity with dignity and pride.

What is the symbolism in Still I Rise? ›

In "Still I Rise," Maya Angelou uses gold mines and oil wells as symbols of wealth and confidence. She also uses natural imagery, including the sun, the moon, the tides, and the air, to symbolize the inevitability of her continued rise beyond the reach of oppression.

What are the metaphors in Still I Rise? ›

She uses metaphors, such as comparing herself to air and a black ocean, and similes like "I walk like I've got oil wells" to illustrate strength and self-assurance. Repeated imagery of rising emphasizes the poem's theme of overcoming adversity.

What is the conclusion of Still I Rise by Maya Angelou? ›

Departing from the quatrain structure, the final fifteen lines of the poem repeat the refrain "I rise." Angelou emphasizes that she and others have emerged from the "huts of history's shame" that encapsulate the mistreatment of black people throughout time.

What does the dust symbolize in Still I Rise? ›

Using the symbol of dirt to convey the unvalued and downtrodden significance of the African Americans to society, she counters this with the simile of dust. She implies that, similar to dust which rises from the ground when stepped on by a heavy foot, her community will rise up and fight against this oppression.

What is the critical analysis of Still I Rise? ›

The speaker of “Still I Rise” is a Black woman who powerfully expresses her strength and resilience in the face of an oppressive, racist society. The theme of resilience runs like a thread through all nine of the poem's stanzas. In some cases, the resilience she evokes applies to Black Americans in general.

What are the main themes in Still I Rise? ›

The main themes in "Still I Rise" are the power of Black women, the inevitability of truth, and overcoming oppression. The power of Black women: The speaker asserts that Black women are beautiful and strong, and dismisses any attempts by white people to make them believe otherwise.

What is the mood of Still I Rise? ›

The mood of Maya Angelou's poem, 'Still I Rise', is inspirational. This is because the poem uses the theme of strength and resilience. The repetition of the line 'I rise' helps convey the mood and show the poetic voice as confident person willing to overcome obstacles.

What type of poem is Still I Rise and why? ›

Answer and Explanation:

"Still I Rise" by American author Maya Angelou is a lyric poem. Lyric poems are a type of poetry that prominently feature literary techniques, like metaphor, meter, and consonance, and focus on the emotional, subject-centered experiences of the narrator.

What does the quote and still I rise mean? ›

Still I rise, she almost uses the power in the pain as the strength to keep moving or rising shall I say. With every hard p. It means in spite of her hardships in life she still has the strength to move forward. That nothing she faces is strong enough to keep her down.

Who is Maya Angelou referring to in Still I Rise? ›

Throughout “Still I Rise,” the poem's speaker addresses an unknown “you.” At first glance, it may seem like this “you” could be anyone, but as we get deeper into the poem, it becomes clear that Angelou is addressing a specific type of person: anyone who despises or hurts Black people because of their racial identity.

What is the theme sentence of Still I Rise? ›

This is in defiance of the oppressors. "I am the dream and the hope of the slave. / I rise / I rise / I rise." Although no longer a slave, she still faces racism and oppression. Instead of wallowing in frustration resulting from this oppression, she endeavors to defy it and live a happy life.

What is the summary of and still we rise? ›

In this book, Corwin chronicles a school year spent with 12 senior students in the gifted program in a South-Central Los Angeles high school. The students face many difficulties and must display perseverance to remain in this magnet program.

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