Phenomenal Woman

Honestly, when I first read these poems, I found them a bit difficult to understand and fully appreciate. Some of them seemed rather abstract, and I struggled to establish a personal connection. However, as I delved deeper, I began to recognize the overarching theme that runs through them. It is a theme of women who have overcome tremendous obstacles, who have engaged in a fierce battle with both reality and spirituality. These poems offer a poignant and powerful exploration of the plight of black slave women, providing us with a rare glimpse into their complex and often overlooked psyches.

Here is an excerpt from "Our Grandmothers" that truly captures the essence of this struggle and resilience:

"Centered on the world's stage,
she sings to loves and beloveds,
to her foes and detractors:
However I am perceived and deceived,
however my ignorance and conciets,
lay aside your fears that I will be undone,

for I shall not be moved."

This excerpt speaks volumes about the strength and determination of these women. Despite the challenges they faced, they refused to be broken. They stood firm in their beliefs and their identities, and their voices continue to resonate with us today.

"You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise."

Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman" is a powerful and inspiring poem that delves deep into the essence of what it means to be a woman. The poet's bold and cheeky attitude challenges the traditional notions of beauty and femininity. She questions whether her confident way of walking, as if she had oil wells in her living room, offends others. But she doesn't care, for she is like the moon and the sun, rising inevitably.

The book's autobiographical nature adds to its vibrant appeal. Maya, an African-American woman, has faced discrimination due to her skin color. However, she emphasizes herself and feels smug about who she is. She has developed her mental faculties through various experiences in life, including singing, acting, writing poems, mastering languages, and lecturing at the university level. Despite all her accomplishments, she doesn't mention them all in the poem.

The poem focuses on what makes a woman truly extraordinary. Maya is not a fashion model with a conventionally beautiful figure, but she has her own attractive features. Her right attitude gives her poise, sensuality, and charisma. She doesn't need make-up or intrusive manners to attract attention. The poem has four irregular stanzas in free verse, with the natural cadences of a good lyric. It expresses the passion, flow, and eloquence of an inspired poet.

Maya has great self-belief and confidence in her body language. She repeatedly calls herself a "phenomenal woman" and shares her joy and secret with others. She feels powerful but not superior. Her impact on men is due to her mystery as a woman, which lies in her womanliness. She describes various aspects of her body language, such as the click of her heels, the bend of her hair, and the sway of her waist, all of which express her passion. She argues that true self-expression lies at the heart of a successful personality and that body language is the means of such self-expression.

Maya is not influenced by the views of others about her African American identity or her background. She is certain about her grace as a woman and doesn't need to brag. The words of the poem are simple and easy to understand, yet they communicate her joy effectively. The book can be seen as a powerful statement against anti-black racism in America, but its celebration of dignity in the face of oppression is universal. It can be applied to any situation where a marginalized person refuses to be broken by prejudice and hatred. Along with "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," this book has catapulted Maya Angelou to a place of cultural fame, and she has become a major figure in both literature and cultural struggles. Her significance as an African American writer and a poet in general cannot be overstated.