Literary Analysys

Literary Interpretation: “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou.
This paper focuses on the analysis of a self-chosen poem. I decided to analyze the poem by Maya Angelou called “Phenomenal Woman” becauseof the impact this poem has had many of women over the world and the constant reminder hidden in the poem that all women are beautiful the way we are.
Maya Angelou, an American author, and poet, wasborn on April 4th, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. She lived a rough childhood and went trough a lot of trauma which motivated her into writing. Writing made her feel safe and free to express how shefelt and with metaphors connected to her life. Dr. Angelou is considered one of the best black American writers. Her works have influences millions of people and will continue through history. (MayaAngelou Official Website)
“Pretty women wonder were my secret lies. / I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size/ But when I start to tell them, /They think I'm telling lies./”
In myopinion, Dr. Angelou is stating how her confidence brings questions to people´s minds. With the fifth verse I feel she highlights how society has built a wall against “natural” beauty.
“It's in the archof my back,/ The sun of my smile,/ The ride of my breasts,/The grace of my style.” In this stanza Maya Angelou refers to curves. I feel like in all of the verses she uses that term to create a sexybut innocent abstract image.
“It's in the click of my heels, / The bend of my hair, / the palm of my hand, / The need of my care” In this stanza I think she is referring to the primary characteristicsof a woman; sensuality and warmth/care.
In the last stanza the last four verses say:
“´Cause I´m a woman/
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman/
That’s me.”
For me, this section of the poem summarizesthe message. I think that Maya Angelou had the intention of making women that are not completely confident, feel special, different, and powerful with all the femininity possible.
I found this...