Still I Rise by Maya Angelou Poem Analysis Essay

Diligence is a powerful trait to acquire, and without it, people may lose hope in many aspects of their life. In “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou, she continues to be diligent as she faces judgment and gossip from those around her. Angelou goes against what history has taught her, and she thrives to inspires others. Overall, she uses the struggle of facing and overcoming obstacles in life to show a slight change in the tone throughout the poem.

Maya Angelou did not care what others thought of her and she continued to be self-assured. At the beginning of the poem, Angelou inquires “Does my sassiness upset you? / Why are you beset with gloom? / ‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells / Pumping in my living room,” (Angelou). Essentially, Angelou believes that her personality should not alter how society feels because she walks confidently, with her head held high. Angelou’s personality had effects on a number of individuals, yet she continued to focus on herself. In general, Angelou refused to let the words of others affect how she is as a person. 

Numerous people were jealous of Maya Angelou’s success throughout her life. At one point in the poem she asks, “Did you want to see me broken? / Bowed head and lowered eyes? / Shoulders falling like teardrops, / weakened by my soulful cries?” (Angelou). Throughout the poem, she ponders why people want to see her in despair and worn down. It seems like society wanted Angelou to fail and be sad because they were jealous of her. Above all, many individuals wanted Angelou to be worse so that they would seem better, but she refused to listen to them. 

Maya Angelou continued to have optimism knowing that she could make an impact on others. At the end of the poem, Maya declares that “Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, / I am the dream and the hope of the slave. / I rise,” (Angelou). Therefore, using what her predecessors left for her, Maya Angelou was able to be an inspiration for slaves and all that they are capable of. Angelou was positive that she was the hope and dream for others, she was confident in her thinking and did not doubt her abilities. Angelou gained ambition in hopes to rouse others to take a stand alongside her. 

Looking back at the poem’s change in tone from carefree to confident, and finally, to hopeful, it is clear that the tone evolved. Many people are afraid of change and becoming a different person, yet here Angelou took changes in her life head-on without a second thought. The majority of society likes consistency, but a handful of people who embrace change are confident that they can be better people. Even though numerous people fear the idea of their life being altered, the only way that people can grow into even better individuals is through change.