In this research paper, the researcher has tried to find out the image of black female depicted in Maya Angelou's poems. This research has been conducted by qualitative and analytical method because this research has not numerical data. After collecting data, the researcher has analyzed poems and supported by particular idea of feminist Sara Mills. The researcher has chosen only three poems of Angelou from "The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou which are ‘Still I Rise’, ‘Phenomenal Woman’ and ‘Caged Bird’".
This study has been conducted by the use of black feminism theory and also focused on words, lines and stanzas. This research gives rise to enhance the argument in literature studies particularly Black Feminism self-esteem. Thus, it can enable others to organize research on African-American females. The analysis has explained that black woman’s different images are depicted in Maya Angelou's poems. In the first poem ‘Still I Rise’, Maya Angelou presents black female as a leader of the movement and challenges the society arrangement about black people.
In the second poem, ‘Phenomenal Woman’, Maya Angelou describes a standard of beauty that beauty is not having beautiful face and slim smart body and thin lip. She says that a black woman can be phenomenal woman through her confidence and good personality and proud herself being black woman. In last poem ‘Caged Bird’, Maya Angelou shows underdevelopment of black woman due to tradition. As a coloured woman Maya Angelou raises her voice and says that soon, black people will be free. The present research concludes that author is presenting theme of hope in all above poems and she is a courageous black woman.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Significance of Study
Statement of the Problem
Research Objectives
Research Question
Delimitation of Research
Literature Review
Poetics
Black Feminism
Critical Review of Previous Work
Theoretical Framework
Research Methodology
Analysis
Caged Bird Analysis
Phenomenal Woman Analysis
Still I Rise Analysis
Conclusion and Findings
References
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary research objective is to explore the image of the black woman as depicted in the poetry of Maya Angelou. By applying the lens of black feminism and feminist postcolonial theory, the study aims to uncover how Angelou addresses themes of identity, racial discrimination, gender oppression, and resilience in her work.
- Analysis of racial and gender discrimination in American society.
- Examination of black female identity and self-esteem.
- Exploration of themes of hope, courage, and liberation.
- Interpretation of literary techniques in poems like 'Still I Rise', 'Phenomenal Woman', and 'Caged Bird'.
- The role of the black woman as a leader and agent of social change.
Excerpt from the Book
Caged Bird Analysis
Maya Angelou's one of very heart touching poem ‘Caged Bird’ was published in 1983. Maya Angelou published her autobiography in 1969 with the title of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. ‘Caged Bird’ poem was included in autobiography. This poem consists of six stanzas and talks about freedom but didnot publish. “Black Feminist Movement” was the period when this poem published. This poem shows that black race is facing segregation due to skin colour. ‘Caged Bird’ poem doesnot focus only on black women. It can be interpreted as the domination, prejudice and inequality toward black people of that age.
The poem ‘Caged Bird’ talks about tradition and history of “Black People” in which they were treated badly, unequally and unfairness within United State’s dominant white society. That's why black feminist movement was started in 1960 In that period more black people raised their voice because feminists (female supporters) believe that colour women are behaved cruelly, harshly and tyrannically and differently from both races (black and white) males and white females and they are treated to individual and organizational, racial, culture and territory intolerance, prejudice and biasness. And they call them "alien others" and "Third World Women" (Mills, 2003). Barriers have been put between races throughout the history. Society was divided between two races, white and black. Whites were superior and blacks were considered as inferior. A wrong tradition of slavery and discrimination was existed for more than three hundred years.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter introduces the core concepts of poetics and feminism, establishing the theoretical necessity of the "Black Feminist movement" within the context of American racial history.
Literature Review: This section provides a scholarly foundation by defining poetics and black feminism, while critically reviewing existing academic perspectives on Maya Angelou’s work.
Theoretical Framework: The study utilizes Feminist Postcolonial Theory to examine the intersection of race, gender, and the socio-economic effects of colonialism on black women.
Research Methodology: This chapter outlines the qualitative and analytical approach used to interpret the chosen poems through the lens of feminist literary criticism.
Analysis: This section offers a line-by-line examination of 'Caged Bird', 'Phenomenal Woman', and 'Still I Rise' to uncover the specific depictions of black female experience.
Conclusion and Findings: The final chapter synthesizes the research findings, confirming that Angelou portrays the black woman as a resilient, courageous leader who challenges systemic oppression.
References: A comprehensive list of academic sources and critical literature used to support the research arguments.
Keywords
black feminism, Maya Angelou, identity, coloured women, poetry, literature, intersectionality, discrimination, race, gender, resistance, empowerment, African-American, narrative, postcolonialism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the depiction of the black female image within selected poems by Maya Angelou, analyzing how she addresses societal challenges through a black feminist lens.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include racial segregation, gender discrimination, the struggle for freedom, identity formation, and the resilience of black women in a male-dominant society.
What is the primary research question?
The research specifically asks: "How has the image of the black woman been depicted by Maya Angelou in her poems?"
Which scientific method is employed?
The researcher utilizes a qualitative and analytical method, focusing on literary criticism and the application of feminist theories to interpret the texts.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body includes a literature review of poetics and black feminism, the application of a postcolonial theoretical framework, and a detailed analysis of three specific poems.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
Essential keywords include black feminism, Maya Angelou, identity, intersectionality, and coloured women.
How does the author define the "Caged Bird" metaphor?
The metaphor reflects the historical oppression of black people and the systemic barriers of inequality they have faced for centuries in a white-dominant society.
What does the "Phenomenal Woman" analysis reveal about beauty standards?
It reveals that Angelou rejects traditional beauty standards, arguing that true beauty is rooted in self-confidence, a proud identity, and the inner strength of a woman.
What is the significance of the poem "Still I Rise"?
This poem represents the author's defiant spirit, portraying the black woman as a leader of social change who refuses to be crushed by historical and contemporary oppression.
- Quote paper
- Zafar Iqbal (Author), Saima Parveen (Author), 2018, The Poetics of Black Feminist Narrative. A Literary Analysis of Maya Angelou's Poetry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/425638
