Maya Angelou: Poems Summary

Maya Angelou: Poems Summary

PHENOMENAL WOMAN

This poem essentially talks about a beautiful woman who asserts her identity through her words. She talks about how she is a pretty woman, even though she doesn't conform to the society's norms that dictate how a woman must look. She talks about how despite not adhering to dominant social assumptions about beauty, the woman is phenomenal and beautiful in her own right. She reiterates the phrase "phenomenal woman" to assert the idea that she is beautiful and unique.

STILL I RISE

Still I Rise is a poem in which the speaker talks about defying all odds and finding her way despite the oppression she has gone through. The poem begins with "you", addressing the oppressor, and goes on to talk about the "I", the oppressed and how she is able to vanquish the legacy of oppression and rise above all.

WOMAN WORK

This poem talks about the quotidian chores and struggles of a woman. The poem reads like a list and moves at a fast pace. As the chores have been listed down, the poet moves on to talk about the liberation and solace that the woman finds in nature.

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