How does the structure of Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise" affect its meaning?

The main structural device that Angelou uses to support her theme is the repetition of the phrase "I rise." She repeats this phrase ten times throughout the poem.

Not only does she use the phrase as a refrain, which means it is what sticks in our minds after reading the poem, she does so strategically. The last word in a sentence, or the last line in a paragraph of prose, is often the most important: Angelou used this effect in her poem by putting "I rise" as the final words in four of her seven stanzas. No matter what she has said before about her oppression, such as that others might want to kill her, she transcends and overwrites this by repeatedly stating that no matter what, she rises.

Further, the poem is structured so that the "I rise" occurs most frequently in the last two stanzas: seven of the repetitions occur then, including the three in a row that comprise the last three lines of the poem. All of this emphasizes that Angelou has the last word and that she will—and has—overcome her opponents. The use of the present tense is also structurally important, because the speaker is not putting off the moment of rising to some indeterminate future date: it is happening now.

The "I rise" expresses an empowered voice that black women were too long denied. The "I rise" uses that voice to show that oppressed people won't be silenced and will speak their truth.

Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise,” published in 1978, expresses the empowering message to rise above hate and pain.

The poem has many repeated structures. For example, the poem begins with addressing a “You” who commits acts of hate against the narrator. This “you” is never specifically defined and can be interpreted as an individual or a collective group. There is a repeated list of actions this “you” may commit against the speaker—tell lies about her, step on her, look at her with contempt, even “kill me with your hatefulness.” The poem twice uses the word “history,” showing the struggle to rise above hate is not just personal but collective, reflecting Angelou’s African American heritage.

The poem also uses a structure of repeated questions directed against “you” who the speaker defies with her boldness. Rather than shrinking back in the face of hate, she flaunts her “sassiness,” “haughtiness,” and “sexiness.” Thus, along with the racial themes of the poem, these moments reveal feminist ideas too. The female speaker is proud to “dance like I’ve got diamonds / At the meeting of my thighs.”

The poem’s repeated refrain, “I rise,” underpins the structure of the poem. Including the title, the phrase is repeated eleven times. This repetition emphasizes the speaker’s audacious determination, not to be pushed down, but to rise up against hate, pain, lies, and fear.

What is the author's intention in Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise"?

Maya Angelou’s intention with the poem “Still I Rise” is to speak to those who oppress, and to those who are oppressed. She begins the poem addressing the ubiquitous “you.” Although her message is universal, it is addressed directly to those who caused oppression for African-Americans, and in particular, African-American women.

Angelou writes from her perspective as an African-American woman who endured unthinkable acts and cruelty, yet she enabled herself, through her inner strength, to “rise above” and prosper. She does not ignore, or minimize her tribulations, but instead she humanizes them.

The poem asks tough questions of the audience. The author wants to know if her “sassiness” is offensive, or her “haughtiness” unnerving.  Through her words, she speaks to humanity, not only for herself, but for her ancestors, the slaves. She will not be kept down by others' actions, words, or deeds, instead she will be sexy, sassy, and strong.

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.

Although Maya Angelou’s intention was to address those who feel it is their right to oppress others, she is also demonstrating the strength of African Americans, especially women, to “rise” above circumstances, situations, and people who strive to negatively affect their lives.

In essence, her message becomes universal to all people who are striving to prosper in spite of bigotry and prejudice, whatever the reason.

What is the tone of Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise"?

The tone of Maya Angelou’s poem "Still I Rise", found in the anthology And Still I Rise: A Book of Poems published in 1978, can be described in various ways: it is at once defiant, thoughtful, hopeful, sad, and triumphant. Like much of Angelou’s work, it references the lived experience of African Americans, their resistance and resilience, and the poem’s tone encapsulates the varied emotions combined in their history and present.

It is both political and personal in nature, and directly comments on the experience of being an African American woman. We get the sense of an empowered, playful woman, full of “sassiness” and “sexiness.” But there is anger and despair too. Rather than downplaying the difficulties, the poet’s voice describes how she rises from a place of oppression and violence, a place of “terror and fear”, of “shame”, from “a past that’s rooted in pain.”

Thus strength, honesty, renewal, resistance, resilience, and empowerment are all suitable words to bear in mind when thinking about the tone. Through challenging the reader—by addressing them directly in the very first line—the narrator refuses to be downtrodden or disempowered and resists being broken with “bowed head and lowered eyes.” Instead, imagery of freedom and confidence abounds, including references to the ocean, dancing, rising air, dreams, and hope.

     The tone of the poem may best be summed up as empowered.  Angelou directs the poem toward people who challenge, denigrate or look down upon her. Yet throughout the challenges she triumphs by rising up time and time again. It is the essence of the phrase, "It's not how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up that counts". 

     Angelou also implies that the people laughing at her or looking down upon her are angered by her attitude. This ties in with the overall empowerment theme of rising up. She challenges the notions of "sexiness" and "haughtiness" which African Americans were denied. She continually points out that although society may challenge her heritage she will rise above the disdain to be her own person. 

How do literary devices in "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou enhance the poem's depth?

Simile:  Angelou incorporates similes like "but still, like dust, I'll rise" throughout the poem.  This particular simile also creates imagery, helping the reader to picture the rising cloud of dust in his or her mind.  Angelou's use of simile deepens the meaning of the poem by giving the reader a tangible connection, like dust, to connect with the deeper themes of the poem.

Metaphor:  Angelou uses metaphor as the speaker compares herself to a "black ocean, leaping and wide;" this metaphor reinforces the vast power felt by the speaker of the poem, that she feels unrestrained like the ocean, capable of overcoming her difficulties.

Imagery: Angelou employs strong imagery throughout the poem as she creates a contrast between past and present:

"Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries." (13-16)

In this stanza, Angelou appeals to the readers' sensory perception, particularly of sight, by creating a silhouette of defeat; the slumped posture and downcast eyes suggest failure and disappointment.  Moreover, the "soulful cries" deepen this image by adding an auditory layer, so the reader not only sees what defeat must feel like, but can hear it as well.

Personification:  "Past rooted in pain" gives human qualities, in this case emotion, to a non-human object or idea "the past." By doing so, Angelou again contrasts the difficult past with its hardships, restrictions, and disappointments to the bright promise of the future.  Angelou also uses alliteration here, "Past rooted in pain" and in "huts of history," which adds to the cadence of the poem.

All of these literary devices together contribute to the depth of the poem by demonstrating the extent of the speaker's power to overcome obstacles and still rise.

What is the author's purpose in "Still I Rise"?

The author's purpose in writing "Still I Rise" seems to be to address a white audience, (the "you" addressed by the speaker) who might not typically listen to a Black woman, like the speaker of this poem, or who might not have any idea how such a person feels or why. In writing this poem, Angelou gets to speak one Black woman's truth of empowerment and identity out into the world, perhaps empowering others like her or giving voice to their shared experience at the same time.

The speaker of the poem is an individual, but she also seems to be symbolic as well. She is an individual who is "sassy" and "haughty," who is judged harshly by people around her who would prefer to see her "broken," who are surprised by her confidence and assuredness. They would shoot her, cut her, or kill her if they could.

However, she also says that she rises up from the "huts of history's shame" and into a "daybreak that's wondrously clear," and here, the imagery and symbolism seem to grow much vaster than earlier on in the poem. She is the "dream and the hope of the slave": a free Black person with a will of her own and the right, power, and confidence to exercise it. Therefore, it seems that the writer's purpose in creating this poem was to represent this experience—an individual experience as well as a symbolic one—in writing.

How does Maya Angelou depict resilience in her poem "Still I Rise"?

Resilience is the quality of withstanding hardship and bouncing back. 

In “Still I Rise,” Angelou’s speaker compares herself to various elements of nature with similes.  A simile is "a figure of speech that directly compares two different things, usually by employing the words "like" or "as"" (enotes reference, simile)

These similes highlight her connection to nature and the deep-rooted strength she has.  The speaker is a black woman who gains strength from her people’s own adversity.

The speaker begins by comparing herself to the resiliency of dust.

You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise. (lines 3-4)

The simile of dust is apt because although it is small and insignificant, it can actually be quite difficult to overcome.  When you trod in dirt, you get dust.  The speaker is saying that she is not so easy to get rid of either.

In the third stanza, the speaker compares herself to the moons and suns.  This is another comparison with nature.  The moons and suns, and the tides, are predictable.  The speaker is pointing out the predictability of her spirit, that no matter what happens nothing to bring her down.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides, (lines 9-10)

In the last stanza, the speaker makes overt references to slavery.

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise (lines 29-32)

By this point, the poem has risen to a crescendo.  This is evidenced by the changing in pattern now that we no longer have 4 line stanzas and with the repetition of “I rise” (lines 29, 32, 36, 38, 41-43).  The repetition serves to reinforce the idea that the speaker never gives up, and is strengthened rather than weakened by the pain of the past.

Read the full poem here:

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/still-i-rise/

View the dictionary.com definiton here: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/resilience?s=t

Read more about similes here:

What is Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise" about, and why is it important?

Angelou's poem is about a person's internal strength to confront their oppressors and not surrender to them.  It is important because it speaks to the resilient spirit that is in all of us.

The poem is focused on how one responds to injustice.  Its opening features the speaker, presumably Angelou, addressing those who seek to control her.  The repetition of "Still I rise" is a reminder that her will is stronger than the control exerted upon her.  The poem goes through different situations where oppression exists.  In each setting, the speaker makes it clear that her will is not going to be overcome.  She will not be denied.  The ending features a calling out to ancestors who experienced their own form of subjugation.  As the speaker embraces "the dream and hope of the slave," it is clear that she will not only endure what is being placed on her, but will triumph over it.  

The poem's message about struggle and vanquishing forces of oppression through personal strength is important to everyone.  The poem does not minimize the trials that people endure.  Rather, it brings attention to them.  The poem suggests that individuals can develop the fortitude to challenge their oppressors.  It is important because all of us can wither as a result of external pressure.  This pressure can be personal, political, and social.  It might be overwhelming to experience this. However, Angelou's poem insists that we are able to "rise."  We can find strength in this message.  In the face of overwhelming odds and painful conditions, we can say, "Still I rise."

Analyze Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise."

Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise" is a poem about strength and endurance, and about affirmation. It is about what is expected of a person like the speaker (in terms of controlling her), and what that person is capable of doing despite expectations.

Said of the poet:

Angelou early experienced the twin forces that would determine the shape of her life and the nature of her career: personal rejection and institutional racism.

In "Still I Rise," themes of rejection and racism can be seen. For example, the first stanza may well reflect the concept of slavery, seen with the word "history."

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.

The first line suggests that the telling of the history of slaves in America has long be controlled by whites who decided what was recorded in books and what was true as they saw it, but never spoke of the reality of slave life—forced to leave their homes and be treated like property...as if they were no longer people. However, Angelou's theme of perseverance is also present with the use of the word "dust." Dust has often been referred to as "abiding"—something that lasts forever. "Abiding" is defined as...

...continuing without change; enduring; steadfast...

Making this comparison, Angelou affirms that regardless of the abuse the speaker suffers (and the speaker can be seen to represent all blacks), that she will rise: she will not disappear, she will not be defeated and she will not be held back.

The second stanza continues with the same tone...the speaker asks if she has upset her listener by not acting as the listener wants her act—subdued, repressed, sad, etc.

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

The speaker notes that she refuses to be downtrodden, and while the listener may be expecting her to be broken, she walks as if she the world's wealth is in her pockets. Her strength and defiance are clear. The images she provides speak of oppression and violence:

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

And...

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.

In light of violence and even death, we now hear the essence of the speaker's spirit entering into the poem: for not even death will destroy the speaker's presence, as if it has grown so strong that it will defy the very limits of the passing from this earth.

Angelou's poem promises that nothing will destroy her will, and here we have an even greater sense of the promise of the survival of the race—the rising is like the air: it is everywhere and cannot be contained. The last section of the poem speaks directly of the path from slavery to the modern day: reciting life in huts and a past "rooted in pain." This race has achieved power as great as the mighty oceans that cannot be contained. Angelou speaks of her ancestors: their pain, their work, their sacrifice—and their legacy.

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

This line provides closure to this age-old battle. This is a poem of challenge to those who wish to place a person of color into the limited confines of the past, and a declaration of freedom—after a very long journey—bringing the black race to freedom and dignity: at last.

Analyze the poem "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou.

Maya Angelou’s as a writer epitomizes the intellectual black woman. Her wit and wisdom find a home in her poetry.  The theme of never “giving up or in” to adversity typifies her view of the black woman rising above the expectations that were once so understated, something we find in her poem "Still I Rise." 

Tone

The tone of the poem implies strength and bitterness.  In addition, the optimism of the poet shines through as she knows that even if the worst happens and someone is down, she will rise again much like the Phoenix in Egyptian mythology. Angelou always interjects humor along with a sardonic attitude, which can be said to be a part of the persona of a black woman.

Theme

Her theme is addressed in the title of the poem “Still I Rise.” Nothing can keep the black woman from getting up from adversity and standing beautiful and strong. Angelou’s poem written in 1978 was prophetic.  Since the publication of the poem, there have been several black congresswomen.  We have had a black Secretary of State and United Nations ambassador. These women have risen to the highest places in the land.

Form

The poem does have a rhyming pattern.  It does not follow any set form.  The vocabulary is forceful. Angelou uses dialogue and some black dialect.  The poem gives several scenarios that place a black woman or any woman in a compromising situation.  

Summary

She seems to speak to white civilization or white men. 

Speaking about the way that history perceives the black woman in a negative view; the poet says that she will rise out of the dust. 

The poem implies that black women are sassy.  Her attitude is one of arrogance, and she walks as though she is very rich.

Just like the natural world in which everyone knows what will happen, she will rise like the moon.

The poet lists several scenarios that this woman has faced.

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 back yard.

Well, do not expect it from the poet. She does not need anyone’s pity: It is shameful how the black people have been treated. But this person will rise about it. This strong black woman will rise like the ocean with its tides and waves swelling… no more fear. When the sun rises, the poet will rise with it. 

She will bring all of the traits and talents that her ancestors bestowed on her. The new black woman is the hope of the future. She will rise.

The poem provides a spirited guide for the young black woman to follow.  Nothing will keep a person down if she keeps on trying. Rising out of poverty, abuse, slavery---no one will keep these beautiful, elegant, sassy women from achieving their goals.

What is an analysis of Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise"?

What exactly are you looking for? An analysis of the meaning of the poem? Do you need to point out poetic devices?

The meaning:

"Does my sassiness offend you?"

"Does my hautiness offend you?"

"Does my sexiness offend you?"

Well, if so:

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

This poem is a true Civil Rights poem about the resiliency of Black people. No matter what has happened to them in history (and to the author):

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

There are terrific similes, metaphors, personification in this poem - can you find some?

• like dust I'll rise - simile
• I walk like I've got oil wells pumping in my living room - simile
• You may shoot me with your words - metaphor

There is something wonderful in every line! See what you can find. There is a helpful analysis here on eNotes.