Verified Document

English Poems The Problem Regarding Racial Equality Thesis

English Poems The problem regarding racial equality can be traced as far back as the African-American slave trade of the 1400s. But even after the Civil War and the Reconstruction of the United States, there is no denying the fact that a racial tension still exists between "whites" and "blacks." Many authors, artists, and poets have portrayed this tension, sometimes even going as far back as inspiring their audience through language akin to the spirituals found during the time of slavery. Maya Angelou, renowned American poetess and author, is but one of many who voices the plight of racial inequality. In her works "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and "Still I Rise," she portrays the struggle of African-Americans throughout the centuries of racial oppression and segregation.

To be able to understand the historical contexts derived from the two works of poetry, one should delve into the origin and the continued oppression of African-Americans during and after slavery had been abolished. At the height of slavery -- occurring between 1441 and 1888 -- "cruelty and merciless misery" inflicted upon slaves seemed inevitable and invincible (Hood, 2010). Slaves were treated like cattle, branded as property and worked to the very core of their existence. Yet it is in this hardship that slaves resisted, and many others fought their way towards freedom. Historians have pinpoint the appearances of the "slave spirituals," that is, "songs meant to help [slaves] endure brutality and endless work or to inspire them to run away" (Bentley, 2011). Yet even after the Underground Railroad and even further past the Reconstruction, African-Americans were far from the equal racial treatment they...

Sexual violence and racism frequently became synonymous, and problems between whites and blacks would continue to emerge even after centuries of slavery's abolishment (McGuire, 2004).
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Still I Rise

Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" (Angelou, 1969) rings the atmosphere of suppression and limits and of freedom and limitlessness. The poem itself juxtaposes the large differences between a "free bird" and a "caged bird," highlighting the plight of the caged bird and the unbridled happiness of a free bird's flight. Angelous uses major forms of imagery here, basking the free bird in an array of nature and colors. The free bird follows the wind and the streaming water, "dips his wings in the orange sun rays," and waits "on a dawn-bright lawn," "naming the sky his own." The sky and the natural surroundings give the reader a broad sense of the free bird's environment. On the other hand, the caged bird is stuck in a prison, stalking "down his narrow cage" with clipped wings and tied feet. Why else would the caged bird sing but for its laments over its suppressed boundaries? The use of negative words such as "nightmare" and "narrow" illustrate the caged bird's environment.

"Still I Rise" (Angelou, 1978) gives an empowered form to its tone. It uses a personal narrative, using the "you" and the "I" to dictate the poem. The…

Sources used in this document:
Resources

Angelou, Maya. (1969). "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." Retrieved from <http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-know-why-the-caged-bird-sings/>

Angelou, Maya. (1978). "Still I Rise." Retrieved from < http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/still-i-rise/>

Bentley, Rosalind. (2011, February 20). Lifting its voice, and community, for 100 years: Glee club masters classic spirituals. Pressure, pride in lyrical embodiment of Morehouse's mission. The Atlanta Journal - Constitution, p. E.1. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from ProQuest National Newspapers Expanded. (Document ID: 2271394841).

Hood, L. (2010). The Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and the U.S. Underground Railroad. International Congregational Journal, 9(1), 47-57. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Racial Ideology of Latinas /
Words: 11967 Length: 44 Document Type: Literature Review

The novel opens seven years after Gabo's mother, Ximena, was murdered by coyotes -- or paid traffickers -- during an attempt to cross the border. Her mutilated body was found, her organs gone -- sold most likely. Because of the fear surrounding this border town and the lure of the other side, all of the characters become consumed with finding Rafa. These people are neglected and abused. Like other fiction

South Africa and HIV
Words: 12832 Length: 43 Document Type: Ghost Writing

Preface – Moral Leadership in an International Context South Africa - Johannesburg and Cape Town December 2018 – January 2019 Wow! What an adventure! This trip/course to South Africa with my Candler School of Theology comrades was a full bounty of knowledge and personal growth. The agenda set forth by our instructors Dr. Robert Franklin, Dr. Gregory Ellison, and Dr. Letitia Campbell was chock full of meetings and interviews with current moral leaders

Disciplines and Cultural Context of the Humanities
Words: 3509 Length: 13 Document Type: Creative Writing

Martin Luther King Jr. was a black revolution leader who fought for the equal rights of blacks in USA. A priest by profession. A philosopher and hero of the blacks. Headed the Southern Christian Leadership and held peaceful protests. He was arrested for a similar protest in Birmingham. White priests sent him a letter in jail, asking him to end the demonstration and approach the court with his problem. He wrote this in reply to their

Tenets Lawrence and Derek Walcott:
Words: 1860 Length: 6 Document Type: Term Paper

Although "Midsummer" is a shot work, in keeping with more of the original modernistic style of poetry writing, it is no less poignant in the message it conveys. Conclusion In many ways, DH Lawrence is a visionary that offers the reader imagery and creativity that engulfs the reader into the world in which he creates with his words. As with Walcott, it was not necessary for Lawrence to achieve cadence in

Sociological Theories Sociology of Gender
Words: 1087 Length: 4 Document Type: Term Paper

Sociology and Feminist Theories on Gender Studies Postmodern Feminism in "Cherrie Moraga and Chicana Lesbianism" In the article entitled, "Cherrie Moraga and Chicana Lesbianism," author Tomas Almaguer analyzes and studies the dynamics behind Moraga's feminist reading of the Chicano culture and society that she originated from. In the article, Almaguer focuses on three elements that influenced Moraga's social reality as she was growing up: the powerful effect of the Chicano culture, patriarchal

Ethical Practice Involves Working Positively Diversity Difference
Words: 2498 Length: 8 Document Type: Essay

Ethical Practice Involves Working Positively Diversity Difference Counseling is a profession that involves associations based on principles and values ethically. Patients are able to benefit by understanding themselves better and through creating relationships with others. Through counseling, the clients are able to make positive alteration in life and enhance their living standards. Communities, organizations, couples and families are different groups of individuals are main sources of relationships (BACP Ethical Framework, 2013,

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now