Within the poem, “Still I Rise” written by Maya Angelou, the poet targets powerful tyrants in a society that have neglected and mistreated her and countless African-Americans throughout history. First, Angelou states these light-skinned oppressors with wealth and status, make the final decisions on what will be included and what will be forgotten within the narrative of history. Because of this, African-Americans are treated with racism, fewer rights and experience suffering, due to the reason they are not seen as “victors” and are restrained of their power (Genius 1-2).
Thus, Angelou explains her happiness tends to have an impact on light-skinned people and how she experiences racism, sexism, and suffering and being pressured to not become more than what her ancestors were stated in text. But regardless, the speaker’s tone demonstrates defiance and the determination to surpass these barriers and pursue forward. Angelou ends her poem with a message to her fellow African-Americans, that they are stronger together and to encourage them on fulfilling their own aspirations. Within “Still I Rise”, Angelou uses the literary elements of similes, apostrophe, and metaphors to reveal the theme of oppression.
Maya Angelou uses similes to justify and enhance the tone of the poem and make comparisons between dissimilar things that reveal deeper meanings. “Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines// Diggin’ in my own backyard” (Angelou 19-20). This line from Angelou’s poem portrays the confidence of someone with wealth and in comparison to Angelou’s rich spirit, that she will behave as if she has everything, even though she has nothing. Furthermore, that she will laugh in the faces of those who criticize African-Americans for their behavior of desiring the same respect and how her joy offends others who aren’t African-American.
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This excerpt supports the theme of oppression within the poem and how African-Americans were treated immorally in terms of behavior and history. Another example of simile within “Still I Rise” is “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?” (Angelou 24-28). This line from Angelou’s poem reveals the author asking if her sensuality is offensive to her oppressor and refers to the way “she dances as if there is something precious (“diamonds”) in her groin/pubic area” (Genius 24-28). Moreover, she rejects being gentle, she cherishes her sexual organs and explains that her sensuality does not suggest that she wants to be groped or abused. Next, the literary element use of apostrophe within “Still I Rise”.
In “Still I Rise”, Angelou addresses those responsible for treating African-Americans without the respect they deserve. In other words, Angelou uses the literary element of an apostrophe for the purpose of her poem and reveals the primary theme of oppression. “Did you want to see me broken?// Bowed head and lowered eyes?// Shoulders falling down like teardrops, // Weakened by my soulful cries?” (Angelou 13-16). This excerpt from the poem highlights the genuine pain the poet had experienced and she asks these tyrants if they are attempting to shatter her spirit.
Furthermore, she targets the misogynists and racists alike, why they wish to see her fail and attempt to belittle her confidence. Instead of obeying these tyrants, she chooses to challenge them and the author gives a visual to the reader on how powerless the poet must be feeling. Thus, the comparison between her teardrops and shoulders falling down provides an image, because her teardrops and shoulders mirror the same behavior. (Genius 15-16). In the end, it is evident how effective the theme of oppression occurs within the poem and targets those who tolerate cruel and immoral actions towards African-Americans. Next, Angelou uses metaphors in “Still I Rise” to develop the theme of oppression.
To begin with, Angelou includes countless metaphors within “Still I Rise” to develop the meaning of the theme and eventual conclusion in empowerment. “I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,// Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.” (Angelou 31-32). This excerpt explains how the poet associates the African-American population to be as strong as the ocean, that has withstood the good and bad times (Genius 31-32). In addition, Angelou discusses the oppression that African-Americans encountered before they were granted their freedom and how similar it is to nature, always shifting and growing. Another example of a metaphor is, ‘I am the dream and the hope of the slave// I rise // I rise // I rise.” (Angelou 38-41). Thus, this excerpt provides an insight on how the poet was capable to achieve what her predecessors yearned for and defeat the past of her predecessors.
Eventually, the theme of oppression resolves into empowerment and serves as a reminder of abusing power to control the narrative of history for those involved in corrupt government. The theme of oppression apparent in the poem, are proven through the usage of similes, apostrophe, and metaphors. Thus, Angelou wrote this poem for the purpose of advocating for women’s rights and in a response of the African-American Civil Rights movement beginning in the 1950’s. This empowering poem embodies perseverance and strength, designed to portray as a signal of faith for the oppressed members of society. In the end, Angelou explains the sacrifices she made and what she gained through those sacrifices.
