Type: Lyric
Explanation of the poem: This poem by Maya Angelou explores the repercussions of slavery and how the bond between Caucasian citizens and African citizens only continues to grow even after. The poem shows resistance and how despite all the prejudice and discrimination Maya Angelou will still come back, harder, and stronger than before. No matter what, she will rise. The poem questions the reader, if they feel that her equality is unjustified and her confidence is unwarranted.
Theme Statement: The slave-traders and Caucasian-Americans have held power over their African-American counterparts for a long time, even now, but with “swagger”, self-respect, despite what anyone thinks, society can learn to treat others equally.
