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Unit One: Lesson One
Questions on the Poem “Still I Rise”
1. To whom is Maya Angelou writing this poem?
Maya Angelou composes the poem to address all who have attempted to oppress her,
and in turn, African American women and other of marginalized classes. In the Poem,
Maya speaks directly to her oppressors who have tried to keep her down with lies and
prejudice.
2. What does the poem’s speaker mean by the phrase “I’ll rise”?
“I’ll rise” is an announcement of self-empowerment and resilience. That statement
expresses that no matter the hardship one may continue to overcome adversity and
reclaim what was taken.
3. What effect does Angelou create by repeating the phrase “I’ll rise”?
The repetition of the statement reinforces her viewpoint of resilience and getting up no
matter how many times one is knocked down. It also created a flow and rhythm in the
poem offering readers some feelings of persistence when reading,
4. What questions does the poem’s speaker ask of readers?
The poem challenges the readers to face their insecurities by asking things such as,
“Does my sassiness upset you?” Such acts force the reader to question why one’s
defiance may threaten their feelings of self.
5. Why does the poem’s speaker ask questions throughout the poem? (What is the
effect of this form?)
Through the use of rhetorical questions, she challenges her oppressors by having the
readers confront themselves with self-reflection. These poems form makes for an
interactive and confrontational experience in compelling oppressors to cast insight into
their attitudes.
6. What are the most important words in this poem? Identify and list a key word
from each stanza.
Stanza 1: History – highlighting how the oppressors attempt to define and control her
past.
Stanza 2: Sassiness – representing the bold, unapologetic confidence that defies societal
expectations.
Stanza 3: Tides – symbolizing the natural, unstoppable force of rising up.
Stanza 4: Broken – capturing the oppressor’s desire to see her diminished.
Stanza 5: Haughtiness – reflecting the pride and self-assured defiance in her attitude.
Stanza 6: Ocean – evoking the vast, deep, and powerful force of her identity and
collective history.
Stanza 7: Hope – conveying the promise of renewal and the dream of liberation
inherited from her ancestors.
7. What mood or tone is created by these key words, when you consider them
together?
Together the words can create a triumphant mood and inspire the readers with
resilience. Such words help create tones of empowerment and hope repeating the
ideals that no matter the obstacles one can always push forward.
8. In terms of how to approach life, what does Angelou’s poem suggest or
recommend?
Her poem encourages one to approach life with confidence, self-respect, and
perseverance. The poem advocated facing one's adversity but refusing to let it define
them while rising above such challenges in the end.
9. What does this poem suggest about Maya Angelou’s own life?
The poem expresses her journey of overcoming many forms of oppression while
suggesting that overcoming such adversities became a source of strength. She
repeatedly expresses the act of rising symbolizer her victories over adversity which
serves as inspiration so one may draw from her resilience.
10. Write a complete sentence that expresses a theme of the poem “Still I Rise.”
Regardless of how deep injustices may go, or how repeated oppression attempts to hold
us down, the power one may find within oneself, one's belief in self, and a hardy
determination will always compel us to rise again.
