7-3 Final Project
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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English
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Jan 9, 2024
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Uploaded by JusticeWater55273
Mia Craig
Steven Gonzagowski
LIT-200-J5411
6/13/2023
7-3 Final Project Submission
Title of chosen passage:
Maya Angelou, “And Still I Rise” (American, 1978)
Interpreting Literature: In my analysis of the literature, I found psychoanalytic theory to be the most appropriate framework for interpreting the passage. This theory divides the psyche into three functions: the id, superego, and ego. The id is the source of primitive impulses such as sexual desires, dependency, and aggression that reside in the unconscious mind. The superego subconsciously incorporates societal norms and sets standards for behavior. The ego represents our sense of self and mediates between the realities of the moment and our psychological needs and conflicts. While reading Maya Angelou's poem "And Still I Rise," I found stanza seven particularly captivating. The lines "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?" stood out to me. The speaker challenges societal
norms and expectations that attempt to diminish her confidence and self-worth. The speaker highlights the discomfort that some people may feel when confronted with a woman who is confident in her own body and sexuality by asking if her "sexiness" upsets the listener. The metaphor, "I dance like I've got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs," signifies the speaker's strength and power, which she exudes through her movements and presence. Overall, this stanza is a powerful assertion of the speaker's right to exist and thrive on her terms.
Choosing a Lens:
"And Still I Rise" is a poignant poem that conveys a message of courage and perseverance in the face of discrimination and unfairness. It highlights the misuse of authority by
people in influential roles such as government officials, judges, soldiers, and police officers. Most importantly, the poem inspires those who are oppressed to remain optimistic and resilient in the midst of challenges. Close Reading:
The poem "And Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou remains relevant in our society today. The
pandemic has had a negative impact on various aspects of our daily lives, including mental health challenges, job loss, isolation, hunger, fear, and health issues. Despite the obstacles and struggles, many of us have shown bravery and resilience in overcoming them. This poem reminds us to rise above difficult situations and never give up during tough times. Our ability to rise after a devastating storm shows that we are capable of standing up for our families, dreams, society, and future. These experiences make us stronger and wiser individuals. The message of "Still I Rise" is one of self-respect and confidence. Maya Angelou's poem reflects her unwavering belief in herself and her capacity to overcome anything through her self-esteem. She demonstrates that nothing can hold her back, not even her skin color. This message is particularly
significant in the current period and serves as a reminder of the inner strength we have to overcome any challenge. Making Connections:
Literary criticism often reflects the values and concerns of the society from which it arises. For example, feminist criticism emerged during the second wave of feminism in the 1960s
and 1970s, when women were advocating for equal rights and representation. This approach
analyzes how literature challenges or reinforces gender roles and stereotypes, amplifying the voices and experiences of women. Critical perspectives prevalent during development or popularity shape such trends. The feminist movement's critical approach to gender roles and patriarchy sparked a trend of women's empowerment and liberation. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory had a significant impact on societal trends. It emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences in shaping adult behavior, leading to a greater understanding and acceptance of mental health issues and the need for therapy. The mid-
20th century saw the rise of talk therapy as psychoanalytic theory gained popularity, reducing the
stigma around mental illness. The theory also influenced popular culture, with artists and writers such as Salvador Dali and Virginia Woolf incorporating its ideas into their work, making it more accessible to the public. Overall, the psychoanalytic theory had a profound impact on societal trends, shaping our understanding of mental health and influencing therapy and popular culture.
Title of second chosen passage: From Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself (1892, American)
Interpreting Literature:
In my second literary analysis, I opted for new criticism. This theory emerged in the early
1900s and emphasized the close examination and analysis of literary works, especially poetry. Mark Scherer and other writers expanded the principles of New Criticism to the analysis of prose
fiction. New Criticism prioritized reading literary texts closely, with a focus on the text itself rather than the author's intentions or historical context. The New Critics believed that a work of literature should be analyzed as an independent and self-contained entity, with internal coherence
and unity. They scrutinized literary devices such as imagery, metaphor, and symbolism to reveal the various layers of meaning within a text. Overall, New Criticism was a response to earlier approaches to literary criticism that placed more weight on biographical or historical context, and
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it helped to establish the study of literature as a rigorous and disciplined academic field. Choosing a Lens:
Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" is a remarkable piece of poetry that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual and the interconnectedness of all things around us. The highlighted section of
the poem highlights the speaker's strong connection to nature and their belief in the equality of all living things. The author expertly uses vivid imagery and expressive language to demonstrate the magnificence and significance of even the tiniest elements of nature. Moreover, the passage suggests that the speaker sees themselves as an integral part of this larger picture, rather than a separate entity. Ultimately, the passage conveys an equalitarian perspective that highly values the
natural world and the interdependence of all living beings. New Criticism is a literary theory that
emphasizes the close analysis of the text itself, rather than external factors such as the author's biography or historical context. New Criticism has several benefits, such as focusing on the text itself, encouraging readers to pay close attention to the language, structure, and themes of the text, rather than depending on external information or personal biases. This approach can lead to a deeper understanding of the work and its meaning, as well as a more objective analysis. New Criticism aims to provide an objective analysis of the work by focusing solely on the text, avoiding personal opinions or biases. Thus, this approach can lead to a more comprehensive interpretation of the text and universal applicability. New Criticism can be applied to any literary work, regardless of its historical or cultural context, making it a useful tool for analyzing works from different time periods and cultures. New Criticism emphasizes the form and structure of the
text, providing valuable insights into the work's meaning and themes. Overall, New Criticism offers a rigorous and objective approach to interpreting literature, focusing on the text's formal elements. However, when using new criticism, it is important to consider certain drawbacks. One
of these is the intentional fallacy, which suggests that the author's intentions should be disregarded when interpreting a text. Additionally, the affective fallacy proposes that the reader's personal reaction to a literary work should also be disregarded. It is important to note that new criticism is most effective when applied to shorter works of literature, rather than lengthy novels.
Close Reading:
"The Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman is an extraordinary literary masterpiece that brings together the poet and readers from all walks of life, spanning across generations. Unlike British poetry, Whitman's American poetry celebrates democracy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things and the distinctiveness of the individual. Through a profound contemplation of the beauty of nature, the diversity of humanity, and the importance of personal experiences, the poem effectively fosters a sense of inclusivity and unity. Whitman's use of free verse and unconventional structure adds to this, resonating with readers of different backgrounds and ages.
Making Connections:
During the early 20th century, a literary theory called New Criticism emerged that focused on analyzing literary texts through close reading and examination of the text itself, rather than the author's intentions or historical context. This approach emphasized the value of precise language and clear expression, leading to a greater emphasis on formal analysis and a shift away from biographical and historical interpretations. New Criticism played a significant role in shaping the
way people approached and appreciated literature and language, reflecting society's growing interest in formalism and the belief that art should be appreciated for its intrinsic value. However,
as the cultural emphasis shifted towards postmodernism and the rejection of established
narratives, the popularity of New Criticism declined, giving way to multiple perspectives and the
reader's role in creating meaning. Overall, New Criticism was influenced by modernism and formalism, and its waning popularity reflected the changing cultural trends.
Why Theory Matters:
Examining literary theory allows readers to gain a fresh perspective when analyzing texts, films, or cultural artifacts. This method promotes discussions about the author's ideology and intentions
during the writing process. Through the use of literary theory, readers can delve deeper into the various aspects of a work and gain a better understanding of the author's intentions and ideology. This approach often leads to lively debates and conversations among scholars and enthusiasts alike. By using different theoretical frameworks, readers can unveil underlying meanings, themes, and messages in literature. Applying theory to literary analysis allows for diverse perspectives, resulting in a more comprehensive comprehension of the text. Additionally, theory can aid in identifying connections between different works and contextualizing them within wider cultural, social, and historical contexts. Ultimately, interpreting literature using theory can enhance the reading experience and broaden our knowledge of the world.
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