A bird resides in a cage. In "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou, the bird is prevented from any kind of freedom and its feet are tied to limit its movements. However, the caged bird is relentless in its attempt to sing of freedom. The obvious joy that the free bird feels in flying through the sky is made quite clear. In this case, this idea of ​​freedom represents Angelou. In a society where African Americans are not treated as equals, where individuality and self-expression are reserved for those of the upper classes, where making ends meet systematically excludes disadvantaged minorities, Angelou points to the "escape" of reality where the bird can fly even when it seems like the world is collapsing. Angelou is a strong example of perseverance and resilience, which she alludes to in "Still I Rise". It reveals the importance of overcoming challenges and being strong-willed against all odds. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayIn "Still I Rise," Angelou discusses the importance of overcoming challenges and holding on to the hope of one day overcoming injustice and prejudice. It also explores empowerment where she has to trust herself to push herself in life. From the perspective of the oppressed, Angelou aims to fight the oppressor by reiterating the theme of individuality and empowerment. In verse 6 Angelou writes, “you can shoot me with your words / You could cut me with your eyes / You could kill me with your hate / But still, like the air, I will rise” (Angelou). Angelou has thick skin and evokes such emotions through her writing. His resilient behavior is revealed through his choice of diction. She describes the effect of eyes passing through her like paper painting an unpleasant picture. I think she used the word "cut" strategically to show that you can judge her through your eyes and try to cut her humanity, but she still won't bend. Words, like cuts, often form scars, but she is rebellious in human nature to give up. Although these scars last, they do not affect his quest towards his life. Angelou paints a picture of people judging her and she feels like they see right through her. In verse 4, he goes on to say, “Did you want to see me broken?/ Head bowed and eyes cast down?/ Shoulders falling like tears/ Weakened by my soulful cries.” Tears flow when we cry, and she references this to show how hatred and prejudice evoked powerful emotions in her. He portrays that although people want him to fail, he will withstand all their hatred. It also implies that a part of herself was broken and that people wanted to tear her down from an early age. This speaks to the sense of pride he feels in not letting outside noise dictate his feelings. Another quote I would like to highlight is: “Leaving behind nights of terror and fear/I rise/Into a beautifully clear dawn/I rise.” The use of repetition here and throughout the poem is very interesting to me. She continues to paint this picture of fear and anguish, but implores the audience that, despite these various difficulties, she came out on top. “Nights of Terror and Fear” implies that at one point he went through many mental battles, but chose to get back up. Throughout the poem we get a sense of its overall tone of defiance and this is made clear through the use of rhetorical questions. In verse 2, it opens with “does my shamelessness upset you?”, followed by “does my haughtiness offend you?” in verse 5 (Angelou). This juxtaposition adds a real effect to the overall intent of the poem, suggesting that Angelou wants to imagine herself as the oppressor. In ain a sense, it is causing us readers to see how ridiculous such accusations may seem, and it opens up a discussion about individuality. His self-confidence may be misinterpreted as arrogance, but in reality it is his oppressors who share that arrogant mentality. In “Caged Bird,” Angelou challenges the idea of ​​repressing emotions and living in a metaphorical cage of society by describing the exuberance of a joyful bird that escapes from that locked-in mentality. In the first stanza, Angelou describes the “free” bird that “leaps…and dares to claim the sky.” That leap of faith is a representation of those challenges they overcome. The reality of this is directly challenged in the next stanza by the “caged” bird whose “wings are clipped and/His feet are bound.” Angelou's characterization of the free bird and the caged bird is a larger metaphor for itself. He feels like society creates these barriers and conditions people to feel a certain way. As far as oppression goes, his coming out moment is his visible success and transparency in speaking out about such issues. Angelou challenges society's notions and uses her life experiences to empower black men and women around the world. In her biography article, Marcia Ann Gillespie dives deep into Maya Angelou's life, covering her early life and career achievements. He analyzed the meaning of his work and how it resonates with it. Gillespie describes Angelou's first memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, in detail providing context to her early life and the difficulties she faced from being raped as a child. The trauma she is going through allows readers to understand why her work is so emotionally provocative and powerful. Angelou describes her life in such precise detail in her literature and is so frank so that people can have learning moments. From the author's point of view, Angelou is a very experienced character and is charismatic, especially in the moments when they meet. Despite having a real relationship with Angelou, the author claims that “anyone who reads her memoirs and her poems, who hears her speak in an auditorium or on a television show, also knows who she is.” Basically, if you've read her work, you're exploring aspects of her life like a puzzle and trying to connect with her. The author revealed various things Angelou appreciated, from wit to sensuality. Spirit is what she looked to in times of distress to empower and fill her. From a religious standpoint, Angelou believed she was a gift from God. Through that spirituality, Gillespie recalls that she thought grace had entered her life. Spirituality and sensuality are connected on a deeper level. Sensuality is essentially the idea of ​​being present in the moment. It's what makes humans human. Everyone has different peculiarities that make them who they are. Sensuality also happens when you sit, tell stories and interact with other people. In “Still I Rise,” for example, Angelou establishes herself as a broken, yet powerful person. Through the lens of White America and civil rights rhetoric, black people like her have had it tough. Despite these hardships and experiences, Angelou was comfortable in her own skin and made it clear that oppression would not be her downfall. Angelou humanizes herself as she tells her story in the hope that young people can have a stepping stone to hope. Especially in tumultuous times, Angelou explains the value of friendships where she says bonds help affirm her strength. Healing is a great value in his life because he has been through so much, give it.