Analysis

The analysis of the poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou shows that its outer composition is relatively consistent throughout the poem, with the exception of the last two stanzas which follow a different format. The poem’s inner composition centers around the speaker’s display of resilience in the face of oppression. 

The speaker of the poem is shown to be a black woman and is most likely a persona of the poet. She expresses her determination and firm belief that she will remain triumphant despite all the oppression she may face. 

The poem uses mostly informal language and has a colloquial tone. The personal pronoun “you” is repeated throughout the poem to directly address the speaker’s oppressor to which she expresses her message of resilience and defiance. 

The poem includes a multitude of poetic devices out of which repetition is the most noticeable at first. Different similes and metaphors also help to express the poem’s message in layered ways, while symbols further enhance the poem’s meaning. 

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following pages.