This is a word which is controversial in a number of countries and can even be related to primarily in the United States. Another example of a word which excites our reader brains is the word slave. This question is written in a way that is meant to show that we should not be ashamed of who we are and how we look which is an apparent explanation of the main theme of the poem. She shows us her approach to how self confidence should be expressed, using the word “sexiness” to ask the question “Does my sexiness upset you?” (25). Maya Angelou uses a wide range of vocabulary that creates a great deal of imagery and controversy in the way we view the poem. Maya reveals to us that not all atrocities are clear cut and emphasized for us to understand, but no matter how big or small these things seem and no matter who we are we still have the ability to rise.Ĭertain words evoke multiple emotions for people who read them. This powerful line is able to show us that in every circumstance where we feel like the victim whether through speech, emotional abuse, or physical abuse, it is still an act of inflicting hurt and it should be taken with an act of perseverance.
An example of this could be when she mentions that “You may shoot me with your words” (21). Maya also decides to use violence as a metaphor, to show her audience that there is cruelty which is deeper than physical pain. She is also able to show us that something as inconsistent as ‘dust’ can rise even if it is seen as incapable. In these two lines, she is able to address the meaning of treading someone in the dirt or in simpler terms, belittling someone and treating them as if they are minute. She begins by saying “You may tread me in the very dirt” (line 3) however she finishes the sentence saying “But still like dust, I’ll rise”. One circumstance of such a metaphor is through her description of dirt and dust.
In “Still I Rise,” there are abundant metaphorical phrases that will keep you extremely attentive when reading them. The "soulful cries" (16) further strengthen this image by adding the sense of sound.An American poet of remarkable optimism, Maya Angelou can be described as a writer who understands the true usage of contradicting and powerful metaphors. Weakened by my soulful cries." (13-16) Angelou tends to the readers' senses during this stanza, particularly of sight, by portraying an image of defeat. "Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Along with figurative imagery, Maya also uses literal imagery often throughout the poem. This use of imagery is used because all of these minerals are now valued higher then they were in the past. There are many other examples of figurative imagery in this poem such as comparing "Oil Wells" (7), "Gold" (19) and "Diamonds" to these women and slaves. The poet is not meaning this literally, where as she is really figuratively comparing the culprits of this mistreatment to animals. The word choice "Trod" and "Dirt" have connotative meanings because the majority of people would associate these words with animals.
"You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise." (3-4) In relation to the past events of slavery and the manner in which women were treated, these lines portray an image of poorly treated races and sexes being walked all over. Maya Angelou utilized figurative imagery to exemplify the sad reality, which was the oppression of African Americans during slavery along with the mistreatment of women. These include the use of imagery, symbolism, metaphors and similes along with numerous sound devices. She uses various amounts of poetic devices to further encapsulate the theme in this poem. There are many references to slavery and feminist rights throughout the piece that have a very powerful effect. After extensive research I have come across a poem that I believe to be "the best poem in the world." Still I Rise written by Maya Angelou is an inspirational poem symbolizing defiance and her strength to overcome negative criticism and oppression.
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