Still I Rise By Maya Angelou

A metaphor is defined as being “the transfer of a quality or attribute from one thing or idea to another in such a way as to imply some resemblance between two things or ideas” . The key features of metaphor ranges from exaggeration and extension to the resemblance and connection between ideas within the poem, as well as symbolism. Traditionally, the conventional interpretation of ‘Still I Rise’ by Maya Angelou lies within the concept of race relations in America, in particular the struggle of Black American women within the Civil Rights era. On the other hand however, a different metaphorical exploration of the poem could reveal a darker side that is not expected at first. Within the text, there are links to the representation of death and
The obvious interpretation of “rise” reads as Angelou confronting those who dehumanised her for the colour of her skins. On the other hand, the use of “rise” can also be interpreted as strong symbolism through resurrection imagery to represent how Jesus rose from the dead, overcoming how people negatively viewed him in the Bible. Alternatively, this could be interpreted as not Jesus but the speaker’s soul rising from the body. This could be considered an authorial comment due to Angelou’s personal Christian views and therefore may be an attempt to convey to the reader that her soul will ‘rise’ after death. The Christian imagery continues “hopes springing high” as “hopes” has connotations to miracles and how people ‘hope’ what they wish for will happen. These ‘hopes’ may be prayers, emphasising the religious aspects and can speculatively be interpreted as prayers, perhaps for the speaker to go to Heaven. In addition, the monosyllabic, sharp phonology of stanza six and the hyperboles “shoot” “cut” “kill” suggest that no matter how a person is killed, they will still “rise” – go to Heaven. The heavenly symbolism continues as the simile “shoulders falling down like teardrops” could symbolise the Fall. The religious connection between “daybreak” which is “wondrously clear” alludes to Heaven and clarity, continuing to show how the concept of death frequents the scope of the poem. The poem also shows spiritual elements in relation to death. The notion of “dust” rising could refer to the “dust” once the speaker has been cremated, once again linking to the inevitability of death and more so, the