ENGLISH IO

Global issue: Struggle against racial injustice and the pursuit of equality.
Main Literary Text: “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou

Additional literary text:-

1. “Caged Bird”- This poem uses the metaphor of a bird struggling to escape
its cage as a poignant commentary on the fight for freedom and the constraints of
racial discrimination. It's a powerful allegory for the African American experience.
2. “On the Pulse of Morning”- Delivered at President Bill Clinton's
inauguration, this poem calls for unity, understanding, and healing across racial
and cultural divides, reflecting Angelou’s lifelong advocacy for civil rights and
justice.
Caged Bird
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks

down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings

with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze

and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings

with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
signs of freedom.
On the pulse of morning
A Rock, A River, A Tree
Hosts to species long since departed,
Marked the mastodon,
The dinosaur, who left dried tokens
Of their sojourn here
On our planet floor,
Any broad alarm of their hastening doom
Is lost in the gloom of dust and ages.

But today, the Rock cries out to us, clearly, forcefully,

Come, you may stand upon my
Back and face your distant destiny,
But seek no haven in my shadow,
I will give you no hiding place down here.

You, created only a little lower than

The angels, have crouched too long in
The bruising darkness
Have lain too long
Facedown in ignorance,
Your mouths spilling words
Armed for slaughter.

The Rock cries out to us today,

You may stand upon me,
But do not hide your face.
Main Non-Literary Work: “American
Gothic, Washington, D.C.” featuring Ella
WatsoN (Gordon Parks):-

1. Segregated Water Fountain:- A haunting image capturing the stark reality of racial
segregation in the American South. The photograph shows a colored water fountain in
the mid-20th century, highlighting the everyday realities of institutionalized racism.

2. Harlem Gang Leader:- Parks photo essay on Leonard “Red” Jackson, a gang leader
in Harlem, offers a nuanced view of life in the
neighborhood, challenging stereotypes and providing
insight into the socio-economic conditions contributing to
crime and violence in African American communities.
POINTERS