Marguerite Annie Johnson Angelou, commonly known as Maya Angelou, was an American author, actress, screenwriter, dancer, poet, and civil rights activist. She is known for her books, “Still I Rise” which is one of the most widely read books in the United States, and also “When I Think of Death”.
Her literary works inspire female writers and African-American writers around the world. Angelou was one of the most popular and influential woman of her time.
"Still I Rise" is a poem about hope, encouragement, self-respect, and confidence. In the poem, Angelou reveals how she deals with all the people’s twisted lies, brokenness, sadness, hatefulness towards her. She will rise up even if people keep on trying to pull her down. She will face every suffering with confidence and hope.
Seems like no one can break her dignity and determination to overcome all the circumstances that she is facing. She is fearless and she got it from her ancestors and as an exchange, she will not allow anybody to completely ruin her for she is the hope of slavery. So, she will rise. She has the spirit of black women, despite racism and disappointments. She expresses her belief that her black people will overcome all the hardships.
While in the poem “When I think of death”, Angelou felt afraid thinking the moment that something or someone is no longer alive and that everything won’t last.
She believes that she can accept her death rather than the death of others. She couldn’t dare to imagine if her relatives and friends will be gone.
If so, she would keep on refusing to accept that something is true or real and getting mad often. But they would live in her heart, mind, and memories.
No comments:
Post a Comment