ENGLISH LANGUAGE A COURSEWORK

Student’s Name: Ogongo Helene Ganawa

Student’s Number:

Centre Name: DHT Kisumu Senior Academy

Centre Number: 94131

Assignment: A

Date of Completion: 19th June, 2023

Assessor’s Name: Mr. Kenneth Omondi

Student’s Signature:
Discuss how the writers use language and structure to portray
resilience in Still I Rise, Significant Cigarettes, and The Bright
Lights of Sarajevo.
The ability to endure and bounce back from challenges is referred to as
resilience. Literary works such as Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise," Rose
Tremain's story "Significant Cigarettes," and Tony Harrison's poem "Bright Lights
of Sarajevo" employ various literary techniques to depict both physical and
psychological resilience.
In Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise," she employs repetition as a
powerful tool to convey resilience. The recurring phrase "Still I Rise" acts as a
defiant repetition, emphasizing Angelou's unwavering determination in the face of
adversity. This repetition not only reinforces the central theme of resilience but
also serves to inspire readers to find strength within themselves and persevere
through challenging circumstances. By asserting her ability to rise above obstacles,
Angelou instills a sense of empowerment and encourages sidelined individuals to
embrace their resilience.
Metaphorical language plays a significant role in Angelou's portrayal of
resilience in "Still I Rise." Through her use of vivid imagery and striking
metaphors, Angelou paints a powerful picture of strength and resilience. By
comparing herself to "dust" and drawing parallels to celestial bodies like "moons"
and "suns," she symbolizes her ability to rise above the limitations imposed upon
her. These metaphors evoke a sense of awe and admiration, heightening the impact
of the poem and inspiring readers to recognize their essential worth and resilience.
A notable aspect of Angelou's exploration of resilience in "Still I Rise" is her
confrontation of stereotypes and societal expectations. Through her rhetorical
questioning, such as "Does my sassiness upset you?" and her declaration of pride,
Angelou challenges the norms that seek to diminish downgraded individuals. By
embracing her sassiness and confidence, she defies the limitations imposed upon
her, encouraging readers to reject societal expectations and find resilience in
embracing their unique qualities. This message resonates strongly with
marginalized communities, offering a powerful call for self-acceptance and
empowerment.
The poem also incorporates allusions to highlight the transformative power
of resilience. By referring to the "huts of history's shame" and positioning herself
as the embodiment of the dreams and hopes of the enslaved, Angelou
acknowledges the burdens of the past while reclaiming her heritage. Through this
empowering recognition, she inspires readers to confront their historical struggles
and find the strength to overcome them. The poem serves as a rallying cry for
marginalized communities seeking recognition, healing, and the pursuit of a
brighter future.
Rose Tremain shows Lev’s ability to adapt to his situation, cope with
physical discomfort, and connect with others demonstrates his resilience in the face
of difficult
Tremain uses vivid imagery and sensory details to portray Lev's departure
and his emotional state. The text describes Lev sitting near the back of the coach,
huddled against the window, staring at the landscape he is leaving behind. The
fields of sunflowers scorched by the dry wind, the pig farms, quarries, rivers, and
wild garlic are vividly portrayed. The detailed description of Lev's surroundings
allows readers to visualize the scenery and understand the significance of his
departure. The imagery creates a sense of homesickness and longing, emphasizing
Lev's emotional state and his connection to his homeland.
In addition, she employs dialogue to reveal the interactions between Lev
and the other passengers, particularly Lydia. Lev and Lydia engage in
conversation during the bus journey. They introduce themselves, discuss their
reasons for leaving their respective countries, and share their hopes for the future.
Through dialogue, the author provides insights into the characters' motivations,
fears, and aspirations. The exchange between Lev and Lydia illustrates the shared
experiences and desires of immigrants seeking a better life. It also highlights the
theme of resilience as they navigate the uncertainties of their journey.
The utilization of symbolism to convey Lev's feelings of guilt, longing, and
hope is present. Lev's reflection in the coach window and his aversion to seeing his
face symbolizes his guilt for being alive while his wife passed away. The darkness
falling outside the window represents the familiar darkness of his village and the
inevitable darkness in Lev's heart. The presence of the British twenty-pound notes
and Lev's thoughts about the man depicted on it symbolize his aspirations and
determination to find success and share in the perceived luck of the English.
Through these symbols, the author delves into Lev's complex emotions. The
reflection and darkness symbolize his inner turmoil and grief, while the currency
symbolizes his desire for a better future and his resolve to make his mark in
England.
She employs contrast and juxtaposition to highlight Lev's resilience and
his journey's challenges. The text contrasts Lev's longing for a cigarette, his
restlessness, and his observation of the other passengers sleeping with the vigilance
of the drivers and the anticipation of the next gas stop. The comparison of Lev's
previous life in Auror and the imagined lives of industrious immigrants in England
also serves as a contrast, highlighting Lev's determination to provide for his family.
The contrasting elements emphasize Lev's resilience and his willingness to endure
hardships for the sake of his daughter and a better future. The juxtaposition
between Lev's restlessness and the passengers' sleep, as well as his imagined future
in England, creates a sense of tension and anticipation, underscoring the challenges
he will face and his unwavering determination.
In Tony Harrison’s poem “Bright Lights of Sarajevo,” he reflects on his
experience visiting the city during the siege of Sarajevo in the early 1990s.
Throughout the poem, the speaker observes the resilience and strength of the
people of Sarajevo as they continue to live their lives in the face of extreme danger
and hardship.
He vividly depicts the struggles of Sarajevans, queuing for gas and bread
while dodging snipers. They endure difficulties such as carrying water up multiple
flights of stairs. As the writer eloquently describes, "After the hours that
Sarajevans pass queuing with empty canisters of gas... struggling up sometimes
eleven flights of stairs with water..." This vivid imagery showcases the immense
challenges they face daily, evoking a sense of empathy in the reader.
Despite the destruction caused by Serb shells and the scarcity of resources,
people in Sarajevo come together during the nighttime, walking the streets
peacefully and indistinguishably from one another. The writer astutely notes, "All
take the evening air with stroller's stride... In unlit streets, you can't distinguish
who calls bread hjleb or hleb or calls it kruh." This powerful use of imagery
emphasizes their unity and resilience as they find solace in each other's company,
transcending language barriers and cultural differences.
Amid the devastation, a couple stands on two shell scars, poised to hold
hands and leave together. This touching symbolism represents resilience and hope,
as they progress beyond their initial attraction. The writer keenly observes, "And I
see a pair who've certainly progressed beyond the tone of voice... and leave her
away from where they stand on two shell scars..." This profound imagery conveys
the indomitable human spirit that perseveres despite the most tragic circumstances,
inspiring the reader to believe in the power of love and resilience.
He skillfully juxtaposes rain-filled shell holes caused by Serb mortars with
a clear star-filled evening sky. The boy, with wonder in his eyes, sees fragments of
the Pleiades constellation reflected in the water-filled craters. As the writer
beautifully describes, "In those two rain-full shells-holes, the boy sees fragments of
the splintered Pleiades..." This evocative portrayal of beauty amid destruction
highlights the resilient nature of the human spirit and its remarkable ability to find
moments of awe and inspiration even in the darkest of times.
The couple decides to share coffee in a candlelit café until the curfew,
defying imposed restrictions and seeking moments of joy and connection. The
writer poetically states, "The dark boy-shape leads dark girl-shape away to share
one coffee in a candlelit café until the curfew..." This act of intimacy and defiance
portrayed through vivid imagery demonstrates the Sarajevans' unwavering
resilience, refusing to let circumstances extinguish their desire for human
connection and the pursuit of small moments of normalcy amidst the chaos.
In these literary works, resilience shines in various forms. Maya Angelou
embodies emotional resilience in her fight for rights. Tony Harrison portrays the
vital mental and physical resilience of Sarajevo's people. Rose Tremain's
protagonist exhibits emotional and mental resilience. Together, these works inspire
us to embrace our innate strength and confront challenges with unwavering
determination.