Name: Felicity Anne F.

Santos Date: December 4, 2023

Section: STEM 12 FARADAY Subject: 21st Century Literature

Resonance of Equality: A Critical Analysis of Maya Angelou's Poem "Equality"

Maya Angelou, a literary giant and a powerful voice for civil rights, takes up the pen to
weave a poignant narrative in her poem "Equality," published in 1990. Angelou is a black
American woman, memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. Through evocative language and
vivid imagery, Angelou explores the multifaceted dimensions of equality and defies social norms
by overcoming prejudice and discrimination. This was shown in her poem, as she uses her pen to
raise awareness regarding racial and gender issues, exploring the human yearning for justice and
fairness. In this critical essay, we will examine the issues and contexts that contribute to the
depth and resonance of Angelou's poem.
Angelou's words reflect the universal desire for a world where every individual is treated
with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic background. The poem is
a call to action, challenging societal norms and pushing readers to question the prevailing
inequalities. The theme of resilience is also woven into the poem’s fabric, as Angelou recounts
the struggles and hardships faced by those marginalized by society.
Race or gender, people are discriminated against by different means. "You declare you
see me dimly through a glass which will not shine." In this first verse, it is obvious how she uses
this metaphor to signify how women are being seen, but their presence is not incorporated into
society. This also shows the distorted perception others have of the speaker. In the next stanza's,
there is also this line: "While my drums beat out the message, and the rhythms never change,"
which states how there is a never-ending cycle of racial and gender inequality despite how many
times the fight for equality persists. The poem also challenges stereotypes, particularly the
alleged immorality shown in the lines "You announce my ways are wanton, that I fly from man
to man," which contradict these assumptions, emphasizing the speaker's dissatisfaction with
being limited to narrow and erroneous perceptions. The poem also mentions "painful history"
and "shameful past," which may refer to the marginalized communities’ struggles, like the
author's origin.
Despite acknowledging complicated past and present struggles, the poem exudes
optimism and perseverance. The unwavering statement of freedom through equality represents
hope and commitment. The rhythmic cadence of Angelou's verses mirrors the heartbeat of a
collective struggle, creating a sense of urgency and determination. Additionally, the repetition of
certain phrases, such as "Equality, and I will be free," serves as a powerful refrain that echoes the
central theme and underscores its significance.
"Equality" is a timeless testament to the human quest for justice and equality. The socio-
political issues that were presented in this poem were poignantly written. This work of Maya
Angelou would transcend the boundaries of time and space, as it would always be timely and
relevant. How she weaved the words in this poem to raise awareness about racial segregation and
gender inequality remained exceptional. This poem influences the movement for civil rights and
feminism, and readers may feel the urgency and relevance of her message. As we navigate the
complexities of our era, Angelou's words continue to serve as a beacon, inspiring us to strive for
a world where equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.