"STILL I RISE" by Maya Angelou | 2025-2030 WAEC SELECTED POEMS

Описание: In this video, we feature a student rendition of Maya Angelou's iconic poem "Still I Rise." This powerful piece is a declaration of resilience and defiance against oppression, and it is one of the selected poems performed in our students' edition.

With the use of the First Person Personal Pronoun "I", Angelou speaks directly to those who try to suppress her, using bold imagery to emphasize her unwavering strength. She asserts her dignity and self-worth in the face of historical and personal hardships, highlighting themes of race, gender, and societal injustice.

Structure:
The poem consists of 9 stanzas with varying lengths, alternating between quatrains and longer verses. This free-verse structure allows Angelou to maintain a conversational tone while delivering a rhythmic, almost musical flow, which mirrors the poem's message of rising and overcoming challenges. The repetition of "I rise" at the end of the poem creates a climactic and uplifting conclusion, reinforcing the message of perseverance.

Literary Devices deployed in the poem include:
Repetition – The refrain "Still I'll rise" and "I rise" is repeated throughout the poem, reinforcing the theme of resilience and highlighting the speaker's determination to rise above adversity.

Similes and Metaphors – Angelou frequently uses similes and metaphors to compare herself to powerful, natural forces. For instance, she compares herself to "dust," "air," and an "ocean" to emphasize her unstoppable spirit and inevitable rise.

Imagery – The poem is rich with vivid imagery, such as "oil wells pumping in my living room" and "diamonds at the meeting of my thighs," which symbolizes both personal wealth and inner strength.

Rhetorical Questions – Throughout the poem, Angelou uses rhetorical questions to challenge the oppressor and call attention to their unjust actions, as seen in "Does my sassiness upset you?" and "Does my haughtiness offend you?"

Symbolism – The poem symbolically references historical oppression and triumph, especially for African Americans. Angelou's line "I am the dream and the hope of the slave" connects her personal resilience to a collective history of overcoming slavery and oppression.

Angelou masterfully captures the strong spirit of those who rise above adversity, whether it be racial, social, or personal challenges. The poem explores themes of strength, self-worth, and defiance, particularly in the face of systemic discrimination and historical injustices. With powerful imagery, she compares her strength to natural forces like dust, air, and the ocean, symbolizing her inevitable rise despite all attempts to suppress her. This poetic masterpiece is a triumphant affirmation and re-affirmation of self-empowerment, hope, and the enduring legacy of African Americans.

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