Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

 Still I Rise by Maya Angelou 

     

1.what is your understanding of the poem still I Rise by Maya Angelou ?

Ans.   The poet has expressed his determination and courage in this poem and said that nothing and no one can stop him or crush his feelings. She is not bothered by the fact that others have treated her "like dirt."  She says that even if she is pushed to the ground, she will turn up like dust. 

   She then asks this question. She knows she has done well in life, in writing, and as a woman.

    She then compares herself to the moon and the sun, both of which are influenced by the tides.  No matter how much society tries to keep her down, it is in her nature to resist oppression.

    She continues her questions about racist society by asking if her "pride" is offensive. She knows that society hates seeing a black woman full of confidence. But she always has to "show off" her achievements to the society that oppresses her. She says she has a gold mine. And she laughs at her new fortune.

    she tells society that whatever they do to oppress her, it will not work. The poet tells society that it cannot beat her with words or looks. She says that society cannot win against her, even if it manages to kill her because of its hatred. She says she will keep on rising "like air".

   the speaker finally refers to the past, which is the reason why she is still oppressed and disliked today. She calls slavery "history's disgrace" and says that she will not be chained by the past, even if it is "painful".

    the speaker declares her intention to leave behind all the effects of slavery and tyranny and rise above them. She vows that she will leave behind "fear and terror" and fly above the sorrow and oppression "into a daybreak that's wonderfully clear". The speaker does not want to let society's hatred or the sadness of the past stop her from becoming everything she has ever dreamed of. As a result, she repeats it three times: 

           " I rise

              I rise

              I rise."

Q.2. Identify key literary devices used in the poem and provide examples, including original lines from the poem.

Ans. ● Repetition:

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple lines, usually in succession.

● Anaphora:

It refers to the repetition of a word or expression in the first part of some verses. The poet repeats the words “You may” in the opening lines of the poem to express her ideas.

● Metaphor:

Metaphor appears in the last section of "Still I Rise." In lines 21-23, for example, the speaker used figurative language when outlining the different things her oppressor may do to harm her.

● Simile:

A simile is a comparison of two unlike items that employs the terms "like" or "as". A poet utilizes this type of figurative language to express that one item is comparable to another, as opposed to metaphor, which states that it "is" another.

● Alliteration:

Alliteration happens when words are used consecutively, or appear close together, and begin with the same letter. For example, "huts of history" in the eighth stanza's first line, and "gifts" and "gave" in the ninth.

● Imagery: 

    This is a poem that uses many pictures to express its meaning. The first line shows a picture of "dust" that helps the speaker say what she wants. She says that when the wind of change comes, dust cannot be stopped. She will also rise like dust and make everyone who was against her unable to see.

   The next stanza of the poem also have more pictures. For example, we can see oil wells that are spilling oil. The third stanza has pictures of the moon, the sun, and the water that moves up and down. In this poem, the water goes very high. It is like "hope."

      There is a picture of a black person who is suffering a lot. The picture shows how the bad hand hurt them and made them quiet. Angelou uses the words "gold mines" and "diamonds" to show how this poem is different from what it seems. At the end, the "black ocean" shows how strong the speaker and her people are. They are as big and amazing as the ocean.

● Symbolism:

    Angelou's 'Still I Rise' is a symbolic poem. It comprises multiple symbols that represent various thoughts. For example, in the first verse, the poet employs "dirt" as a symbol. It reflects the historical treatment of the black community.

    The following stanzas include multiple symbolic references. These are "oil wells", "gold mines", and "diamonds". They jointly refer to the speaker's resourcefulness. These symbols are not about worldly possessions; rather, they allude to her intellectual prosperity.

    In the fourth stanza, the moon and sun symbolize the speaker herself. The upward movement of the tides represents how optimism springs in her heart for the future. Furthermore, some expressions in this sentence deal with the concept of slavery, such as "bowed head and lowered eyes."

    The eighth verse contains an essential symbol of the "black ocean". The ocean signifies Black people. "I'm a black ocean" says the speaker. Here, it represents force and immensity. Another sign appears in the final stanza's use of the term "night". It symbolizes fear, oppression, and pessimism.

 

Q.3. Mention the name of a Hindi or gujrati song that has similarities to the poem Still I Rise. (Feel free to provide the lyrics.)

Ans.1. Pagal Parindey Lyrics

Na Zameen Mili Na Falak Mila

Hai Safar Mein Andha Parinda

Jis Raah Ki Manzil Nahi

Wahin Kho Gaya Hoke Gumraah

Na Zameen Mili Na Falak Mila

Hai Safar Mein Andha Parinda

Jis Raah Ki Manzil Nahi

Wahin Kho Gaya Hoke Gumraah

Hawa Gaon Ki Ab Bhi Dhoondh Rahi

Bebas Aankhein Yeh Dhundhli Hoti Rahi

Na Bola Kuchh Na Kuchh Kaha

Koyi Jaata Hai Kya Iss Tarah

Na Zameen Mili Na Falak Mila

Hai Safar Mein Andha Parinda

Jis Raah Ki Manzil Nahi

Wahin Kho Gaya Hoke Gumraah

Zindaan Ko Udaan Samajh Baitha

Ik Baar Bhi Mudd Ke Na Dekha

Hare Pedon Ki Shakin Chhod Aaya

Masoom Ko Kisne Beh Kaya

Hariyali Woh Yaadon Mein Aati Rahi

Raahein Tavern Roz Sunati Rahi

Na Dua Mili Na Mila Khuda

Hua Kaid Pagal Parinda

Na Zameen Mili Na Falak Mila

Hai Safar Mein Andha Parinda

Jis Raah Ki Manzil Nahi

Wahin Kho Gaya Hoke Gumraah

Jehan Mein Kisne Zehar Dala

Rooh Pe Kehar Kar Dala

Jhoothi Tasveer Dikha Ke Mazhab Ki

Kambakht Insaan Badal Dala

Dozakh Ki Taraf Haaye Naadaan Chali

Jannat Gaon Mein Thi Achhi Bhali

Aankhein Khuli Toh Sab Dikha

Gumnaam Hai Yeh Parinda

Na Zameen Mili Na Falak Mila

Hai Safar Mein Andha Parinda

Jis Raah Ki Manzil Nahi

Wahin Kho Gaya Hoke Gumraah

2.  Sapna vinani akhi raat

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