Rhetorical Devices In The Poem Still I Rise
Nidhi Sharma
Mr. Granger
English MYP 3A
January 29, 2016
Still I Rise Commentary
The poem is called “Still I Rise”, by Maya Angelou. This poem’s literal meaning is that no matter what happens or what is thrown at her, she will always rise. The form of this poem is stanzaic and contains a number of poetical devices, including repetition, simile, metaphor, personification and rhyme scheme. In addition, the author skillfully employs the use of rhetorical questions to create vivid images of strength and determination. The upcoming paragraphs are about the structure and narration, the meaning and literary devices and themes[LG1] .
Angelou composed a repetitive pattern and stanzaic structure to give the poem rhythm. The use of enjambment appears in the ending of the poem when the poet repeats “I rise, I rise and I rise” it makes it powerful. The first verse is 9.6.9.6[LG2] , the second 8.7.8.7. The third begins a more irregular metrical pattern, 6.7.6.3. The basic effect of the balanced quartets is like the meter singing in Black churches and Camp meetings, It 's a
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Repetition is used to give power to those simple words (“Still I rise, I rise, I rise.”) Simile, (“like dust, I’ll rise” “like air, I’ll rise” / “Shoulders falling down like teardrops”) The use of metaphor (“I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide…) strengthens that stance and the use of personification (“You may cut me with your eyes.”) offers vivid imagery of one who is undefeatable, invincible. In the poem, she also asks rhetorical questions to showcase her pride[LG6] . Rhetorical Question (“Does my sexiness offend you?”) Alliteration (“huts of history”) Hyperbole (“kill me with your hatefulness”) The theme of "Still I Rise" is really about self respect, and confidence. The poet shows how nothing can get her down. She will rise to any occasion and nothing, not even her skin color will hold her
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