Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

About the Poet

• Maya Angelou (1928–2014) – African American poet, civil rights activist, and author.
• Grew up in a racially segregated America and experienced discrimination firsthand.
• Used poetry to express resilience, empowerment, and the fight against oppression.

Summary of the Poem

• The poem is a declaration of strength and resilience against racial oppression.
• The speaker addresses oppressors, rejecting the false history they have written about her ancestors.
• She asserts her confidence, defiance, and determination to rise above mistreatment.
• Uses sarcasm and rhetorical questions to challenge her oppressors.
• The repeated phrase "Still I rise" reinforces her unbreakable spirit.

Type and Form

• Lyric poem consisting of 7 quatrains (4-line stanzas) and 2 end stanzas.
• Regular rhythm (5-8 lines per stanza) with a refrain: "I'll rise" and "Still I rise".
• Repetition strengthens the message of resilience and hope.

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Analysis

Title

• Still I Rise suggests hope and confidence, despite historical injustices.
• Challenges the idea that history is always factual – it can be biased or written by oppressors.

Lines 1-4

• The speaker addresses oppressors and their distorted version of history.
• Asserts that no matter how they try to bury her, she will rise like dust.

Lines 5-8

• Uses rhetorical questions to highlight her oppressors' resentment towards her confidence.
• Symbols: "oil wells" (wealth and success).

Lines 9-12

• Compares her resilience to the moon, sun, and tides, which are constant and unstoppable.
• The word "certainty" reinforces her belief in triumph.

Lines 13-16

• Highlights how her success is met with bitterness by her oppressors.
• Uses accusing tone and rhetorical questions.

Lines 17-20

• Uses sarcasm to mock those who are offended by her pride.
• Symbol: "gold mines" (richness of her heritage and success).

Lines 21-24

• Describes violent methods (shooting, cutting, killing) used to suppress her.
• Strong verbs emphasise the intensity of oppression but reinforce her defiance.

Lines 25-28

• Celebrates her self-confidence and sexuality despite societal judgment.

Lines 29-34

• Acknowledges the painful history of slavery, but she refuses to be held back.
• Symbol: "black ocean" – her vast, powerful, and uncontrollable spirit.

Lines 35-43

• Declares a new beginning, leaving behind fear and oppression.
• Emphasises fulfilling the dreams of her enslaved ancestors.

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Themes

Defiance & Resilience

• The speaker refuses to be broken by oppression and rises above hatred.
• She represents hope and empowerment for marginalised groups.

Hope

• She moves from pain (night) to hope (daybreak), symbolising a better future.
• Represents African American perseverance against racism.

Racial Prejudice

• Critiques how history is written by oppressors with a biased perspective.

Confidence & Perseverance

• The speaker remains proud and unshaken despite racial and gender discrimination.

Historical Change

• Highlights the ongoing struggle against racism and the desire for justice.

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Diction and Figurative Language

Imagery

• "Cause I walk like I've got oil wells" – success and pride.
• "Moon, sun and air" – nature's strength and inevitability.

Similes

• "But still, like dust, I'll rise." – rising above oppression.
• "Like moons and like suns" – unstoppable determination.
• "Like I've got gold mines" – wealth of spirit and pride.

Metaphors

• "You may tread me…" – oppression as trampling, but she remains strong.
• "I am the dream and the hope of the slave" – fulfilling ancestral aspirations.
• "Black ocean" – vast, powerful spirit overcoming oppression.

Hyperbole

• "I dance like I've got diamonds" – exaggeration to show pride and confidence.

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Tone and Mood

• Tone: Sarcastic, Proud, Triumphant, Defiant, Optimistic, Accusatory, Provocative.
• Mood: Inspiring, Empowering, Uplifting.