ENGL1115. Critical Analysis Assignment Worksheet
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English
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Nov 24, 2024
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Instructor: Kristy Matthews
ENGL1115: Critical Analysis Assignment (10%)
Using a poem of your choice, complete a Poetry Analysis
. This must include the graphic organizer, thesis, and paragraph explaining/proving the thesis.
Poem Title: Author:
ELEMENT
ANALYSIS
EXAMPLE FROM POEM
S
TRUCTUR
E
The sonnet is made out of nine refrains with changing line lengths. Every refrain closes with the line "I rise" or an alternate equivalent thereof, underlining the speaker's strength and assurance.
"I rise I rise I rise"
M
EANING
The sonnet investigates subjects of versatility, strength, and self-esteem even with misfortune and mistreatment. The speaker asserts his ability to defeat deterrents and transcend them.
I emerge from the shackles of history's disgrace, I rise the previous that lies in torment, I rise I'm a dark ocean, jumping and wide, waves and expands I bear in the tide.
I
MAGERY
Distinctive symbolism is utilized throughout the sonnet. This symbolism conveys a feeling of riches, influence, and unwavering certainty.
"I walk like I found oil wells/I'm siphoning in my front room" and "I dance as I tracked down jewels/At the gathering of my thighs".
L
ANGUAGE
The language utilized in the sonnet is conversational and disobedient, with non-serious inquiries. These inquiries challenge the peruser to go up against their own biases and presumptions about the speaker.
"Does my pity irritate you?" and "Does my self-importance hurt you?"
E
FFECT
The poem is uplifting and empowering, inspiring readers to stand up against adversity and believe in their own strength and worth
The repetition of the line "I rise" serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to overcome challenges.
Thesis (What do you believe the poem is about? What is the author expressing in the poem?) The poem "Still I Rise" explores themes of resilience, self-worth, and overcoming adversity. Maya
Angelou's words embody the indomitable spirit of the oppressed, confidently asserting that they
will continue to advance despite obstacles and prejudices. Per her writing, she conveys that this ability to bounce back comes from a deep well of inner strength and family history. Her words help people who have been through hard times stand tall and keep going.
Explanation & Proof of Thesis: "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou is a poem about the strength of people who have been oppressed in the past. It focuses on the stories of Black people. The speaker of the song has to deal with many problems, such as lies, hatred, and shame. But they are still determined to rise above these problems. They show their strength by saying "I rise" over and over again. This is a powerful lesson on how the human spirit can overcome problems. The poem is replete with vivid imagery and metaphors that assert the speaker's self-worth and power. For instance, the speaker says, "I walk like I've got oil wells / Pumping in my living room" and "I laugh like I've got gold mines / Diggin' in my own backyard." These lines evoke a sense of
wealth, confidence, and independence, demonstrating that the speaker refuses to be defined or held back by the negativity of others. Furthermore, the poem employs rhetorical questions to challenge the reader and confront societal prejudices. Lines such as "Does my sassiness upset you?" and "Does my haughtiness offend you?" force the reader to examine their own assumptions and biases about the speaker. Angelou creates a sense of rebellion and resistance against the speaker's discrimination by addressing the reader directly in this way.
In addition, "Still I Rise" showcased the importance of one's heritage in overcoming hardship. With the help of her writing style, the author claims to be "the dream and the hope of the slave"
and thanks "my
ancestors for the gifts they gave." This vivid connection to the past shows that the speaker’s tenacity is a continuation of the struggle and the resolve of their ancestors. By doing so the poem both acknowledges the fortitude of its forebears and celebrates the tenacity of its main character. The structure of the poem also serves to emphasize the theme of perseverance. The changing line lengths and refrains create a feeling of smoothness and movement, mirroring the speaker's proceeding with an excursion to transcend difficulties. The repeated refrain "I rise" at the end of most stanzas serves as a constant reminder of the speaker's unwavering commitment to overcome any obstacle. Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise" is an elevating and disobedient sonnet that praises the persistence and poise of the persecuted. Using evocative imagery, rhetorical questions, and a reference to history, Angelou asserts that the human spirit is invincible and capable of overcoming any adversity. The poem's message of courage and defiance continues to inspire readers, serving as
a timely reminder of the importance of hard work and self-assurance.
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