English ut3

This poem is about the struggles against the ones in power and the journey to overcome
extreme prejudice and injustice. This poem can be interpreted in different ways. If the poem is
viewed by someone like an oppressor, it can be viewed as something symbolic. But on the other
hand, if the poem is viewed by the oppressed, the poem can be viewed as some kind of beacon
of hope, inspiring them to keep on fighting.

This poem shows that there are individuals willing to abuse power from their high ranking
positions in their respective governments. Individuals that are selected to protect and serve the
public are instead using their power to take advantage of or sometimes even harm the public.
But this poem gives off a strong message to the members of the public, showing them there is
always hope, no matter how bad the situation may be.

This poem starts in first person. And that shows that the author, maya angelou, is speaking from
her own perspective and experiences. And as the poem goes on, the writer conveys another
message by addressing a third person, explaining how the injustice and other wrongdoings by
the higher society has imposed challenges upon her.

The poem shows a clear message to the oppressors of the higher society, and also functioning
as a beacon of hope to the oppressed. The poem expresses how no matter the cruelty and
injustice, the method or situation, the oppressed will eventually rise to defeat the oppressors.
Nelson Mandela, a victim of oppression, has read this poem in his time in prison and we can
see why.

This poem is written with black slavery and civil rights issues in mind, so the appeal is pretty
much universal across all ages, all nationalities, and all social classes. The main theme of not
giving in to oppression is easy to understand and interpret in this poem.

There is also some resistance felt in the poem. The writer is trying to defy the oppressor by
reminding of their sins and acts of injustice.

This poem consists of 43 lines, 7 quatrains and 10 stanzas.

There are clear rhyming patterns that change throughout the poem. It first starts as “abcb” to
“abcc” then “aabb”. The choices of words are incredible as well, the utilization of full rhyming
words such as eyes/cries and other words are used throughout the poem from the beginning to
before the last stanzas makes the poem flow and easy to read. And at the end of the poem,
repetition is used. Specifically on the phrase “still i rise”. This helps reinforce the idea of hope in
the end of the poem.

There are a few examples of symbolism present in the poem as well.

Firstly, the oil wells mentioned in stanza 2 symbolize wealth. More specifically, the 2 lines
saying “‘cause i walk like i've got oil wells
pumping in my living room. “
This indicates the writer’s confident manner of walking as one might expect from someone who
has oil wells pumping in her living room. This indicates that she is not rich in money, but rich in
spirit. rich in spirit meaning she is rich in courage, determination, and other “spiritual” things. Her
“wealth” makes her more in control of her life. Just like someone who is rich monetarily living
however they want.

There are other meanings present in the poem as well. Like in stanza 6, the stanza depicts
aggression to the oppressors. The stanza shows that whatever the people try to defy or defeat
the oppressors, they always come out as unsuccessful. The aggression can be seen from the
active verbs such as “kill” which emphasizes the aggression seen in the stanza.

This poem sure is a work of art. It captures the essence of the emotions, thoughts, and the
reality the oppressed are facing. The image this poem creates is clear and “loud”. There are
contrasts and opposites to each subtopic presented in the poem. Which later all unite to create
hope for a better future.