In "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou, the speaker is advising all women to be self-confident no matter what others say, or think. The theme that Angelou portray's is that it's better to be yourself, than trying to act like a different person. In this poem Maya Angelou uses three poetic devices which include imagery, repetition, and metaphor.
In this poem, Maya Angelou is the narrator who is referring to herself. She explains that she may not be a model and act perfect, but accepts and loves who she is. In the third stanza of the poem she explains that husbands in women's lives love them. They love them because there's something about their wives that they can't find in anyone else. In the fourth stanza she's telling us that we don't need to be obnoxious, or loud to get attention. To get noticed she wants us to carry ourselves with passion and dignity. Maya angelou wants us to understand that being a phenomenal woman must first act like one.
One of the main poetic elements in this poem is imagery. In lines 7-9 she expresses imagery by stating "The span of my hips/The stride of my step/The curl of my lips." This type of imagery is visual because Angelou is trying to make reader imagine a woman. A woman who is proud of the way God created her, and showing how she can hold her head up high. The second example of imagery is in lines 39-42 where she states "It's in the arch of back/The sun of my smile/The ride of my breasts/The grace of my style." This type of imagery is visual because she's trying to make us imagine a woman with confidence, and nothing stopping her. The third example of imagery is in lines 54-55 where she states "It's in the click of my heels/The bend of my hair." This means that she's full of confidence from her head, down to her feet.
The second important poetic device in this poem is repetition because she repeats the phrase "I'm a woman/Phenomenally/Phenomenal woman/That's me." By using this repetition Angelou emphasizes to her audience the importance of her thinking she is a phenomenal woman. Also, with her use of repetition it helps the poem flow easily, and makes it more lyrical. It makes the poem flow more easily because it shows what a phenomenal woman really is, and does.
The third poetic device Angelou uses is metaphor. The example of metaphor is in lines 19-22 where she states "Then they swarm around me/ A hive of honey bees." She means that where she walks men always follow her to see how unique she is. This metaphor flows with the poem and shows how other see her, and act around her.
Angelou expresses the theme connecting imagery, repetition, and metaphor in a way that makes everything fit together. The woman in the poem doesn't care what others think, and because of that she shows self-confidence. The poem comes to an end as the woman believes that we understand her. Now that I've read this inspirational poem I can say those exact words "Cause I'm a woman/Phenomenally/Phenomenal woman/That's me."
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By the way thanks writeacher for all the links they helped me out.
suggestions are in brackets "[ ]"
[The poet of] "Phenomenal Woman", Maya Angelou, [advises] women [to have] self-confident [regardless of others’ opinions]. The theme that Angelou portrays is that [it is] better [for people to be themselves rather than acting] like different persons. In this poem, Maya Angelou uses three poetic devices: imagery, repetition and metaphor.
Maya Angelou is the narrator [of the poem, reflecting her experiences and dispositions]. She explains that she is [neither a perfect model nor acts perfectly], but accepts and loves [for who] she is. In the third stanza of the poem[,] she explains that [women’s husbands] love them because [their wives have irreplaceable characteristics and have unconditional love for them]. In the fourth stanza[,] [she tells readers] that [being] obnoxious or loud [is unnecessary] to get attention. To get noticed[,] she wants [the readers] to carry [themselves] with passion and dignity. Maya Angelou wants [the readers] to understand that being a phenomenal woman[, one] must first act like one.
One of the main poetic elements in this poem is imagery. In lines 7-9[,] she expresses imagery by stating "The span of my hips/The stride of my step/The curl of my lips." This type of imagery is visual because Angelou is trying to make reader imagine a woman. A woman who is proud of the way God created her, and showing how she can hold her head up high. The second example of imagery is in lines 39-42 where she states [that] "It's in the arch of back/The sun of my smile/The ride of my breasts/The grace of my style." This type of imagery is visual because she's trying to make us imagine a woman with confidence, and nothing stopping her. The third example of imagery is in lines 54-55 where she states [that] "It's in the click of my heels/The bend of my hair." This quote means that [she is self-assured].
The second important poetic device in this poem is repetition because she repeats the phrase "I'm a woman/Phenomenally/Phenomenal woman/That's me." By using this repetition, Angelou emphasizes to her audience the importance of her [message that] she is a phenomenal woman. Also, [the] use of repetition helps the poem flow easily, and makes it more lyrical. [This method demonstrate the meaning of] a phenomenal woman.
The third poetic device Angelou uses is metaphor. [An] example of metaphor is in lines 19-22 where she states [that] "Then they swarm around me/ A hive of honey bees." [The quote indicates] that [men always follow her to see her uniqueness]. [The] metaphor flows with the poem and shows how other[s] see and act around her.
Angelou expresses the theme connecting imagery, repetition, and metaphor in a way that makes everything fit together. The woman in the poem [does not] care what others think because she shows self-confidence. The poem comes to an end as the woman believes that [the readers] understand her. Now that [I have] read this inspirational poem I can say those exact words "Cause I'm a woman/Phenomenally/Phenomenal woman/That's me."
There are still small errors here and there, but overall, you've done well. Good rewrite.
I'd like to see the 4th and 5th paragraphs developed more (that is, add more examples and explanation), but as it now is, I'd give your paper a B-.
Be sure to bookmark those links. They really come in handy for me -- again and again!
Overall, your analysis of "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou is well-detailed and provides a good understanding of the poem's main message and poetic devices. You have effectively discussed the theme of self-confidence and the importance of being oneself. Your examples of imagery, repetition, and metaphor were well-chosen and supported your analysis.
Considering the thoroughness of your explanation and the clarity of your writing, I would give your response an A. Well done!
Great job analyzing and explaining the poem "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou! Your analysis is thorough and provides a clear understanding of the poem's themes and literary devices. Let me give you a breakdown of your analysis:
1. Theme: Your understanding of the theme is on point. You explain that the poem's theme is about self-confidence, encouraging women to be true to themselves rather than conforming to societal expectations.
2. Poetic devices:
- Imagery: You provide three examples of imagery from the poem and explain that they are visual descriptions used to evoke the reader's imagination. You highlight how these images convey confidence, pride, and the unapologetic acceptance of oneself.
- Repetition: Your analysis of the repetition of the phrase "I'm a woman/Phenomenally/Phenomenal woman/That's me" is well-explained. You mention that this repetition emphasizes the speaker's belief in her own phenomenal nature and helps create a smooth and lyrical flow to the poem.
- Metaphor: You identify the metaphor in the lines "Then they swarm around me/A hive of honey bees" and clarify its meaning. You explain that it signifies how the speaker's unique qualities attract attention and admiration from others.
3. Overall understanding: You conclude by summarizing how Angelou effectively combines the imagery, repetition, and metaphor to convey the theme and make a persuasive argument for self-confidence. Additionally, you express your personal connection and appreciation for the poem's empowering message.
Based on your analysis, I would give your work an A grade. You have showcased a strong understanding of the poem's literary devices and themes, and your explanations are clear and supported by relevant examples. Well done!