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Maya Angelou Still I Rise

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The empowering literary piece “ Still I Rise”, was published in 1978 by Maya Angelou. This poem stood out because of it’s encouraging choice of words and the deep story behind the poem. Important historical events inspired “ Still I Rise”. Such as black slavery and the Civil Rights movement. While analysing “ Still I Rise”, the idea stuck out as one overcoming and rising after any or everything that’s knocked them down. Reading and interpreting this poem, it was obvious that there’s a powerful flow of meaning and content. The interpretation I received from the literary piece is a view from a young woman, possibly hurt or abused emotionally or physically, stands confident with herself and against others and keeps her faith no matter what, …show more content…

Maya Angelou is an African American civil rights activist, singer, actor and memoirist. The talented star was born April 4,1928 in St.Louis Missouri. She then passed away on May 28, 2014. But her legacy still lives on. Dr. Maya Angelou’s is known for her memoir “ I know why the caged bird sings”, which was published in 1969. In the book “ I know why the caged bird sings” Maya tells about her life back when she was young in Stamps,Arkansas living with her grandmother and she takes it from there. This book earned the reward of being the first non- fiction, best seller by an African American woman, along with earning two literary awards from the NAACP. More of her accomplishments would be receiving an Emmy nomination for a screenplay role. Angelou was the first African American woman to participate in an inauguration, being said she recited her poem “On the Pulse of the Morning” at Bill Clinton’s inauguration. All together Maya Angelou has written 36 books in total. A couple of more would be “ Mom and Me and Mom”, “ Wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now” and “ Gather together in my name”. Growing up Angelou was a normal kid for the most part. On the down side, she was included in multiple difficult situations. Such as her parents …show more content…

There’s a couple of historical events that happened while this poem was written and published. One being the civil rights movement in 1954 through 1968. During that time period African American women were looked at as typical housewives. They were expected to just cook, clean, and take care of the children. An abundance of violence went on regarding African American women, for example being taken advantage of because of a feminine view. In addition to that point women weren't allowed to do anything. For example being able to vote was not an option, also not being able to have full benefits like others. Overall African American individuals had difficult times trying to live their lives because of segregation. Caucasians treated them as if they were animals. In “ Still I Rise”, it teaches to overcome obstacles of that kind. Even though you've been beaten down and talked trash towards. Another historical event that could be apart of the piece would be slavery. Slavery lasted for 246 years ( began 1619 and ended 1865) , in some places slavery still goes on. Back in those times the slaves tried to keep their head up as they were being abused, mistreated and harmed. In the poem the tone is represented as determined which is what the slaves were. As well as prideful and to not give up. “ Still I rise” includes multiple encouraging words and meanings that can be used for life lessons

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