Still I Rise

465 Words2 Pages
Maya Angelou went through a lot of agony in her early and late childhood. In her famous poem “Still I Rise”, she touches several main topics like racism, discrimination and even determination. She emphasizes that determination is the key to overcome any challenge and rise up to the battles faced by an individual with in a society. Every obstacle that an individual faces, they gain more confidence, belief and determination. Life is not an easy journey. The further you go, the deeper it gets. This poem talks about the hard times faced by a “different race” within a society. During the time of 1930s – 1960s, racism against the coloured skin people in American was on its peak. The poet discusses in each stanza the different ways that the white people could show them cruelty. The one who is determined with what they want and who they are, nothing can ever bring them down. In the 6th stanza of the poem the poet quotes, “You may shoot me with your words,/ You may cut me with your eyes,/ You may kill me with your hatefulness,/ But still, like air, I'll rise.” By using hyperbole and simile, the writer expresses her seniority over the harsh words and actions. It is believed that sometimes bitter words can be harsher than bitter actions. However, the writer shows her confidence and believes that no matter what her enemies might do to them, they will rise and overcome the obstacles in their lives. Finally, the writer discusses how nothing really mattered to her anymore; not the shame and not even the fact that she is black. By using repetition, this poem sounds more confident and positive. The words “still I rise” are being used over and over again in the poem which gives an impression that the minorities – coloured skin people- were never weak and they have always been and always will accomplish what they have desired of, respect. She is brave and strong and she rises up to
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