Poetic Devices
Metaphor
Metaphor is used throughout the poem to convey deeper meanings and comparisons. The first metaphor appears in the line: "Then they swarm around me, / A hive of honey bees." Here, the men drawn to the speaker are compared to a swarm of honey bees. This metaphor serves several purposes. Firstly, it highlights the abundance of men attracted to her, emphasizing her powerful presence. Secondly, it suggests a certain intensity in their pursuit, similar to the way bees buzz around and collect pollen.
The second metaphor is more personal and revealing: "It's the fire in my eyes." This line compares the speaker's inner strength and passion to a burning fire. The fire imagery is evocative, suggesting intensity, warmth, and transformative power. It signifies that the speaker's "phenomenal" nature is not merely superficial but comes from a deep well of inner strength and conviction. This metaphor empowers readers to look beyond physical attributes and recognize the significance of inner qualities in defining one's value.
Anaphora
Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses. The most prominent example of anaphora occurs in the poem's refrain:
“I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.”
The repetition of "I'm a woman" and "phenomenal" strengthens the speaker's declaration of self-worth and confidence. Each iteration builds upon the previous one, culminating in the powerful statement "That's me," which solidifies her self-acceptance and identity.
Repetition
Repetition is used in the poem to emphasize key themes and ideas. For example, the repetition of the phrase "phenomenal woman" throughout the poem serves to underscore the speaker's confidence and self-assurance. By repeating this phrase, Angelou emphasizes the importance of celebrating one's own worth and uniqueness.
Imagery
Imagery plays a crucial role in the poem by allowing the reader to visualize the speaker's strong presence. For instance, when the speaker describes how men "swarm around [her] like bees," it conjures up an image of her magnetic charm and irresistible attraction. The description of the speaker’s beauty through phrases like “the swing in my waist” and “the ride of my breasts'' evokes a sense of confidence and sensuality.
