Like a Phoenix, She Rises - Hilarie

LIKE A PHOENIX, SHE RISES 

REVIEWED by HILARIE

After reading Maya Angelou’s poem, ‘Still I Rise’, the first thought that comes to mind is a phoenix rising from the ashes, a mythical creature just as strong as the poet herself. Angelou conveys her feelings and brings light to the oppression black women face through this poem. Being coloured herself, she grew up being both racially and sexually discriminated. Racism is a prevalent issue in our society even now, and Angelou speaks up for herself and others in hope that one day they will be able to break free. Written from a first person narrative, Angelou directly addresses these oppressors about the prejudice and unfairness she among many others face.

LITERARY DEVICES:

Angelou’s poem is abundant in literary devices. She makes use of imagery, talks about “oil wells / pumping in my living room” and “diamonds / at the meeting of my thighs”, as if she is of upper class standing, giving off the illusion that she is financially stable. Besides painting a vivid picture in the reader’s mind and makes us, as readers, sympathize with the persona and her obvious distress, it also reflects the society back in Angelou’s time, and the racial barriers she faced.

Furthermore, entire lines are repeated, such as “I rise”, for emphasis and to persuade the audience to stand up for their rights. In addition, the rhetorical questions that appear throughout the poem (ie. “Does my sassiness upset you?” “Does my sexiness upset you?”) challenge the reader, probing them to think about the injustice she and many women face. Moreover, the similes (ie. “like dust, I rise”) and metaphors (ie. “I’m a black ocean”) she uses helps the reader relate to the comparisons more easily.

TONE & MOOD:

Tone and mood are arguably two of the most important parts of the poem - it sets the right atmosphere. In ‘Still I Rise’, the tone is strong and unwavering, echoing Angelou’s own beliefs. In contrast, the mood is triumphant, as though she implies that even if others push her down, she’s not afraid; rising above their hate and continuing to stand up for her people’s rights.

WHAT’S THE IMPACT?

Through the mood and tone, Angelou simultaneously brings forward the issue of racism and allows the reader to sympathize with black women for what they face even to this day. Through the use of repetition and rhetorical questions, she hits close to our hearts with her strong beliefs.

Maya Angelou, a true feminist icon. She fully embraces who she is and stands up for what is right and what is wrong, and encourages others to do the same. Through her poems, she tells the readers to accept the truth. Because, the truth, just like a person, is not always black and white, nor good or bad.