Analysis of 'Still I Rise' by Maya Angelou
In the poem "Still I Rise" by Maya. Angelou, Angelou uses metaphorical language, similes, and rhetorical questions to convey to readers how powerful and strong Angelou has become as a person.
The most effective usage of a poetic device that Maya Angelou uses is her reliance on metaphors. One use of this device that really sticks out is, "You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise." Angelou's use of a metaphor in this first stanza is effective because the readers are already given an insight into the potential powerfulness of this poem. In particular, this example is powerful because the idea of being trodden down in the dirt, shows how Angelou is sharing her own personal experiences of inequality, slavery, and abuse/neglect …show more content…
Similes are just as effective as Angelou's usage of metaphors, but she uses a repetition of the same simile to show the significance of "Still I Rise". One example that is most repeated is, "But still, like dust, I'll rise." This line is continuously used throughout a majority of the poem, except it is often substituted with other words such as, "But still, like air, I'll rise." Angelou's usage of a simile here is highly effective because she uses this line to end a stanza, and even though she talks about all the pain that she suffers earlier in that stanza, she effectively ends with this powerful simile to show how no matter what she is a powerful woman. Another example of Angelou's usage of a simile is when she says, “Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room,” and “That I dance like I’ve got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs.” Here Angelou’s usage of similes is effective because diamonds and oil wells are often referred to as expensive things, so Angelou is relating these objects to her own personal value. She is trying to explain to readers that she is worth just as much as everyone else, therefore she should receive the same respect and love that others
The most effective usage of a poetic device that Maya Angelou uses is her reliance on metaphors. One use of this device that really sticks out is, "You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise." Angelou's use of a metaphor in this first stanza is effective because the readers are already given an insight into the potential powerfulness of this poem. In particular, this example is powerful because the idea of being trodden down in the dirt, shows how Angelou is sharing her own personal experiences of inequality, slavery, and abuse/neglect …show more content…
Similes are just as effective as Angelou's usage of metaphors, but she uses a repetition of the same simile to show the significance of "Still I Rise". One example that is most repeated is, "But still, like dust, I'll rise." This line is continuously used throughout a majority of the poem, except it is often substituted with other words such as, "But still, like air, I'll rise." Angelou's usage of a simile here is highly effective because she uses this line to end a stanza, and even though she talks about all the pain that she suffers earlier in that stanza, she effectively ends with this powerful simile to show how no matter what she is a powerful woman. Another example of Angelou's usage of a simile is when she says, “Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room,” and “That I dance like I’ve got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs.” Here Angelou’s usage of similes is effective because diamonds and oil wells are often referred to as expensive things, so Angelou is relating these objects to her own personal value. She is trying to explain to readers that she is worth just as much as everyone else, therefore she should receive the same respect and love that others