The Speaker
The speaker directs the poem and appears to be Nikki Giovanni in each poem. Giovanni is a renowned American poet who became popular during the 1960s and 1970s, regarding the Civil Rights Movement. Her poetry reveals the highs and lows of the African-American experience with vividness and simplistic sophistication. Besides publishing poetry, Giovanni has published several literary works of nonfiction and children's literature, etc. Furthermore, she has lectured at multiple universities, such as Rutgers University.
Nefertiti
Nefertiti appears in the poem "Ego Tripping," and is rooted in ancient Egyptian culture. During 14th century BC, she reigned as queen of Egypt and was the wife of King Akhenaton. Her name translate as "A Beautiful Woman Has Come," according to Britannica. Along with her husband, she engaged in rituals designed to worship the sun god named Aton. Giovanni refers to Nefertiti as her majestic daughter who helped her create the Nile River.
Hannibal
Hannibal appears in the poem "Ego Tripping," and was a great military leader. He was alive between 247 and 181 BCE, according to Britannica. More specifically, he was the Carthaginian general who directed his military forces in battle against Rome in the Second Punic War. This war took place between 218 and 201 BCE. Giovanni refers to Hannibal as her son whom she gave an elephant to when he was three years old. She also says he gave her Rome on Mother's Day.
Noah
Noah appears in the poem "Ego Tripping," and is a well-known character in the Christian bible. He appears in the biblical flood story located in the Old Testament book of Genesis. He is the married father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Along with his wife and children, he endures a great flood within an ark that God commanded him to build. Noah is considered a righteous man who maintains a holy covenant with God, unlike everyone else who drowned. Giovanni refers to Noah as her son who she proudly sails on the ark with.
Jesus
Jesus appears in the poem "Ego Tripping," and is the only begotten Son of God. According to the Christian bible (New Testament), he is the ultimate source of salvation. On earth, he taught spiritual lessons, healed the sick, raised the death, and proved himself holy. His aim was to fulfill the law of God, which led him to be crucified as a sacrifice. The atonement of his death is the means by which humans can reconnect with God and be saved. Giovanni embodies Jesus, leading her to be praised by humanity as though she is him.
Daddy
This person appears in the poem "Knoxville, Tennessee." Giovanni appears to describe her life in Knoxville, Tennessee through the reader's point-of-view. She describes eating fresh vegetables from her daddy's garden during the summer season. Yet she says to the reader that he or she can eat these things, which heightens the poem's vividness.
Grandmother
This person appears in the poem "Knoxville, Tennessee." Giovanni describes going to the mountains with her grandmother through the reader's point-of-view. She talks about going barefooted and enjoying warmth - inside and outside.
