7-3 Final Project

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Mia Craig Steven Gonzagowski LIT-200-J5411 6/13/2023 7-3 Final Project Submission Title of chosen passage: Maya Angelou, “And Still I Rise” (American, 1978) Interpreting Literature: In my analysis of the literature, I found psychoanalytic theory to be the most appropriate framework for interpreting the passage. This theory divides the psyche into three functions: the id, superego, and ego. The id is the source of primitive impulses such as sexual desires, dependency, and aggression that reside in the unconscious mind. The superego subconsciously incorporates societal norms and sets standards for behavior. The ego represents our sense of self and mediates between the realities of the moment and our psychological needs and conflicts. While reading Maya Angelou's poem "And Still I Rise," I found stanza seven particularly captivating. The lines "Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise that I dance like I've got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs?" stood out to me. The speaker challenges societal norms and expectations that attempt to diminish her confidence and self-worth. The speaker highlights the discomfort that some people may feel when confronted with a woman who is confident in her own body and sexuality by asking if her "sexiness" upsets the listener. The metaphor, "I dance like I've got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs," signifies the speaker's strength and power, which she exudes through her movements and presence. Overall, this stanza is a powerful assertion of the speaker's right to exist and thrive on her terms. Choosing a Lens:

"And Still I Rise" is a poignant poem that conveys a message of courage and perseverance in the face of discrimination and unfairness. It highlights the misuse of authority by people in influential roles such as government officials, judges, soldiers, and police officers. Most importantly, the poem inspires those who are oppressed to remain optimistic and resilient in the midst of challenges. Close Reading: The poem "And Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou remains relevant in our society today. The pandemic has had a negative impact on various aspects of our daily lives, including mental health challenges, job loss, isolation, hunger, fear, and health issues. Despite the obstacles and struggles, many of us have shown bravery and resilience in overcoming them. This poem reminds us to rise above difficult situations and never give up during tough times. Our ability to rise after a devastating storm shows that we are capable of standing up for our families, dreams, society, and future. These experiences make us stronger and wiser individuals. The message of "Still I Rise" is one of self-respect and confidence. Maya Angelou's poem reflects her unwavering belief in herself and her capacity to overcome anything through her self-esteem. She demonstrates that nothing can hold her back, not even her skin color. This message is particularly significant in the current period and serves as a reminder of the inner strength we have to overcome any challenge. Making Connections: Literary criticism often reflects the values and concerns of the society from which it arises. For example, feminist criticism emerged during the second wave of feminism in the 1960s and 1970s, when women were advocating for equal rights and representation. This approach

analyzes how literature challenges or reinforces gender roles and stereotypes, amplifying the voices and experiences of women. Critical perspectives prevalent during development or popularity shape such trends. The feminist movement's critical approach to gender roles and patriarchy sparked a trend of women's empowerment and liberation. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory had a significant impact on societal trends. It emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences in shaping adult behavior, leading to a greater understanding and acceptance of mental health issues and the need for therapy. The mid- 20th century saw the rise of talk therapy as psychoanalytic theory gained popularity, reducing the stigma around mental illness. The theory also influenced popular culture, with artists and writers such as Salvador Dali and Virginia Woolf incorporating its ideas into their work, making it more accessible to the public. Overall, the psychoanalytic theory had a profound impact on societal trends, shaping our understanding of mental health and influencing therapy and popular culture. Title of second chosen passage: From Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself (1892, American) Interpreting Literature: In my second literary analysis, I opted for new criticism. This theory emerged in the early 1900s and emphasized the close examination and analysis of literary works, especially poetry. Mark Scherer and other writers expanded the principles of New Criticism to the analysis of prose fiction. New Criticism prioritized reading literary texts closely, with a focus on the text itself rather than the author's intentions or historical context. The New Critics believed that a work of literature should be analyzed as an independent and self-contained entity, with internal coherence and unity. They scrutinized literary devices such as imagery, metaphor, and symbolism to reveal the various layers of meaning within a text. Overall, New Criticism was a response to earlier approaches to literary criticism that placed more weight on biographical or historical context, and

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