ENG3U - “And Still I Rise” “ If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be” -Maya Angelou Task: Carefully read the poem “And Still I Rise” By Maya Angelou. As you read, consider the author’s argument and use of rhetorical devices. Be sure to respond using proper sentence structure. Then, answer the following questions: Poem Title: ____And Still I Rise________ DAY ONE TASK: 1. Who is the intended audience of this poem? What evidence allows you to draw this conclusion? The intended audience of "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou is anyone who has faced discrimination, oppression, or adversity but specifically African-American people during that time period. I believe this due to the fact, the poem speaks to the experiences of black people and has a universal message of resilience and strength that can resonate with anyone who has faced hardship. "Out of the huts of history's shame, I rise Up, from a past that's rooted in pain.” The references to the struggles of black people, such as the huts of history's shame and the past rooted in pain, clearly show that Maya Angelou is speaking directly to black people and their experiences. Furthermore, during the time period, this poem was released America was still in a civil-war like state against the African Americans and were treated very harshly. However, the overall message of the poem, that one can rise above adversity and find hope and strength within themselves, which I believe is applicable to all people, regardless of race or background. 2. What lifestyles, values and points of view are depicted? Does this poem NOT reflect a particular group of people? Support your opinion. Resilience, tenacity, and independence are the lifestyle, values, and points of view shown in "Still I Rise." In the poem, Maya Angelo discusses how she overcame hardship and discovered power within herself despite the difficulties she encountered. She powerfully expresses her resiliency and willpower in the lines "But still, like dust, I'll rise" and "Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, I rise." These principles represent the notion that anybody, regardless of background or difficulties encountered, is capable of overcoming barriers and achieving success through hard effort and perseverance. Pride and confidence are another example of the lifestyle, values, and world views that are shown. Maya Angelo in the poem is proud of her African American heritage and confident and knows her worth, as demonstrated by lines such as "That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?" and "Does my sassiness upset you?" These values reflect the importance of embracing one's identity and celebrating one's strengths and accomplishments, even in the face of discrimination and oppression. The poem does not necessarily reflect a particular group of people, as its message of resilience and self-reliance is applicable to people from all backgrounds. However, the references to the experiences of black people suggest that the poem speaks specifically to the experiences of black people and their struggles against discrimination and oppression. 3. What is the historical situation/era (setting in time) of this poem? The historical situation and setting in time during this poem was The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, which took place in the middle to late 20th century. The poem was created in the late 1970s, and apparently during the peak of all the discrimination and cruelty. The poem even mentions to black people's experiences and the difficulties they had at the period, including prejudice, injustice, and a painful past associated with slavery. 4. Does the historical background in which this poem was written affect your understanding of the overall message? Definitely, the historical context to this poem plays a major impact on the entire story and the words behind the poem. Since we know now that when this poem was made, was during The Civil Rights Movement and the situation was at its peak with racism and injustice. This makes the poem’s message perseverance and resolve in the face of difficulty gains immediacy and relevance from this background. Understanding Maya Angelo's tenacity and pride in the face of adversity, as well as the celebration of their heritage and culture, is made easier by knowing that the poem was written during a period of struggle and change. Furthermore, it further elevates this poem, as it is like getting pushed down just to start singing I will rise, truly shows the character of Maya Angelo. 5. What is the purpose/overall message of this poem? What evidence allows you to draw this conclusion? The overall message and purpose of this poem is to never give up and be proud of who you are. For example, “You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise". This further signifies how Maya Angelo will never give up, as no matter what you will do, she will rise and that is set in stone. Maya also talks about being proud of who you are, as she embraces her heritage and culture many times throughout the poem, even though this is one of the reasons she faces discrimination. "Out of the huts of history's shame, I rise Up, from a past that's rooted in pain I rise". This shows that she does not care or is affected by racism and prejudice happening towards her, but rather she continues to rise and fights through the adversity she is going through. DAY TWO TASK: 6. How might different people understand this message differently from you? I believe a lot of people can interpret this poem in many different ways, depending on who you are and where you are from. For example, this poem is in a way centred towards African American people during that time who were facing injustice and racism. I say this because many instances in the poem which I already stated but here one, "Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise.” So when they hear this poem, they remember those experiences of where they felt that and feel powered to rise above it. But the latter, for me I personally have not felt the type of racism and discrimination that the African American people felt, thankfully. So when I hear this poem, I relate to times where I faced adversity and instead of lying down and accepting my fate, I feel empowered to rise. This can go in many different ways, as everyone faces their own discrimination and adversity in life or some people may have faced neither so they would not be able to relate in that way. Overall though, I believe the universal message of rising above adversity and challenges in life is applicable to everyone as 7. Name 2 of the most effective uses of figurative language. How does the use of each literary device affect you as the reader? Simile Metaphor “Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise.” “I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise” One of the most effective uses of figurative language in "Still I Rise" is when Maya Angelou states her rising is set in stone like the rising of the sun. This personally resonates with me as a reader and inspires me to be persistent and confident like Maya Angelou. Her words convey a sense of fearlessness and empowerment that elevates us, the reader, to a new level of strength. Regardless of the challenges we all face, we all have the ability to rise and keep moving forward. Maya Angelou's bold statement is particularly empowering because it acknowledges this shared experience and reminds us that we are capable of overcoming adversity. As we all have bad days but in the end, we go to sleep, wake up, then are ready to face another day of life. Additionally, us waking up everyday and just going on living is also set in stone as the sun rises. (Of course excluding things like death or illness) Another one of the most effective uses of figurative language in “Still I rise” is Maya Angelo using a metaphor to represent her ethnicity and culture proudly. As the reader, this was one of the most impactful lines as the situation when this poem was created, African Americans were discriminated against for their colour. Many African Americans at this time, would grow to hate their colour due to this so for her to so proudly embrace her colour, shows her pride, confidence and resilience. The metaphor's use of "I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise." This gives the reader a sense of strength and will. Maya Angelo compares herself to a black ocean, which is strong, large, and always changing, and gives a sense of resilience. The ocean is described as "leaping and vast '' and "welling and swelling," which stresses its strength and their ability to overcome even the most formidable obstacles. This gives me the reader inspiration and confidence by this metaphor since it conveys Maya Angelo's will to overcome hardships no matter what they may be. 8. Does this poem perpetuate stereotypes of gender, racial or cultural identity? Use evidence to support your opinion I believe that this poem does not perpetuate stereotypes of gender, racial or cultural identity, but in fact it challenges and demolishes these tropes. The poem criticises cultural preconceptions and biases that have been placed on notably the African Americans, and black women and instead celebrates their resiliency and self-determination. Maya Angelo, a black woman who defies expectations and triumphs over the prejudice and discrimination that have been aimed at her due to her ethnicity and gender. The poem rejects the notion that people like Maya Angelo should be subjugated and subservient in favour of praising their fortitude, resiliency, and resolve. In contrast to the image of black women as being meek and subservient, the lines "Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries." Shows black women's pride and confidence and destroys stereotypes and prejudice. Furthermore, the poem also rejects the prejudice that says black people are inferior and helpless which was highly promoted during that time. Maya Angelo refutes this by showing she is proud of her lineage and rises above the humiliation and sorrow of the past to build a brighter future. For example in the line "Out of the huts of history's shame, I rise , Up from a past that's rooted in anguish.” I have used this line many times as it shows that Maya Angelo acknowledges her past but refuses to be tied down to it, and decides to rise instead. 9. Is this poem a mirror or window for you? A mirror meaning you see yourself represented in this text. A window meaning, it gives you a new understanding or perspective. Justify your response. In my view, the poem "Still I Rise" is a mirror reflection of myself. Although I used to be mentally weak and not resilient, since turning 15, I have been on a path of self-improvement, convinced by role models that the best way to live is to become the best version of oneself and to prioritise mental health. Now, after more than a year, although I am not at the highest level, I feel that the poem mirrors my journey. In many instances in my life, I have had to rise in places where most people would give up. For example, at my Jiu-Jitsu gym, I get choked out by people who are formerly in the military and much bigger than me. However, instead of making excuses or getting discouraged, I rise and keep fighting them, even though I may lose. Another example is when I work out in the gym. Some days, I may feel tired or have to put extra effort into studying, but I rise and keep going, knowing that the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term pleasure of rest. I also used to work, and worked 8-10 hour shifts with no break at Pizza Hut, and even though I was tired, I kept rising, knowing that it would be worth it. Now, I am in a position where I do not need to work and have a decent amount of money. This also applies to school, where I sometimes don't feel like studying or completing an assignment, but I and many other students rise and get the job done. While I may have risen in other instances before turning 15, I wasn't conscious of it. However, now that I am aware that my daily actions of rising compound to a better life, it is becoming easier and less hard. DAY 3 TASK: Use your annotations to review your analysis of the poem. Then, answer the final question below. Be sure to respond using proper sentence structure. 5. Engaged readers make connections to the texts they read. In a well organised paragraph, explain what connections you make to the text as you read and reflect on attitudes and habits, learning skills and final outcomes and grades. Use specific references and examples to develop your ideas. In Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise," I found three personal connections. Firstly, the line "Leaving behind nights of terror and fear, I rise" relates to my academic journey and final outcomes. Although it may seem like an exaggeration to compare it to this line, I have struggled with low grades and felt lost at times. Furthermore, I would truly feel that it was a night of terror and was in fear from the anticipation of receiving my marks. Nevertheless, I have managed to push through these tough moments continuing to rise no matter what, then eventually achieving good grades. This experience highlights the importance of persistence and determination, even when faced with setbacks, and choosing to continue to rise. Secondly, the line "Out of the huts of history's shame I rise, Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise" connects with my personal growth, habits and attitude. Maya Angelo is specifically addressing racism in this line, but I feel it can be applied more broadly to negative attitudes and past experiences. Before the age of 15, I struggled with unhealthy habits and a negative attitude, which were influenced by my past experiences. However, I managed to break free from these patterns and grow into the person I am today. This experience has taught me the importance of recognizing your history and using the pain from your past as a catalyst for growth. Lastly, the line "With the certainty of tides" for me connects to my learning skills. It emphasises the importance of resilience and persistence when dealing with obstacles and setbacks. Learning is not always a straightforward process, and setbacks can be discouraging. However, with a growth mindset, I have learned to view these challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. By developing strong learning skills, I can build resilience and overcome future challenges. In conclusion, Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise" resonates with me because it highlights the importance of persistence, personal growth, and learning skills. Through recognizing these connections, I can continue to push myself to grow and become a better version of myself. 10. Metacognition: Prior to submitting your work, read through the criteria on the rubric and highlight what you think you achieved in GREEN. Poem: Still I Rise - Maya Angelou Annotations You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may tread me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise. The “I rise” is repetition used for emphasis and a dramatic effect. Maya Angelo is speaking about a huge Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. problem so then uses satire to lower the tone of words so it’s not really a sad poem but more of a poem to encourage and lift you up. “oil wells Pumping in my living room.” Hyperbole “Does my sassiness upset you?” Rhetorical question Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries. “Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise.” Metaphor and Analogy Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own back yard. “Shoulders falling down like teardrops.” Metaphor/Simile You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise. “'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own back yard.” Hyperbole “That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?” Alliteration “But still, like air, I'll rise.” Metaphor 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? Out of the huts of history's shame I rise Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise “Out of the huts of history's shame” Allusion “Does my sexiness upset you?” Rhetorical questionDoes my sexiness upset you?
