Analysis of The Poem 'The Rose that Grew from Concrete' Written by Tupac Shakur

Introduction: “The Rose that Grew from Concrete”, is a short poem written by Tupac Shakur and addresses aspects of life. Background: The poem begins the poem questioning whether we heard about a rose that grows from crack in the concrete in which very seldomly happens and if it ever does would be something very special. Thesis statement: The rose being symbolic to a person with strength and drive and the concrete is the environment that is holding them back. Implying that it is very hard to survive in a harsh environment that can either hold you back or give you just enough room for growth to make something of yourself. Tupac reflects on the experience of not conforming to social expectations of their environments.

Topic sentence: On the second line of the poem Tupan writes, “Proving nature’s law is wrong”(3) disputing the laws of nature and referring to the struggle that most people face in poor neighborhoods and the negative mindset to not want to succeed to fullest of one’s ability. Evidence & citing: Tupac is describing the life with barriers that prevent them from achieving dreams. The concept can be proven wrong by one ability to push through and become successful “without having feet” (4) Meaning all things can be achieved on your own with hard work and dedication. “Without having feet” (4) there was no support or guidance through the tough situation. It is hard to stand strong with no support. Commentary: Ironically, the lack of care from his surrounding did not hinder growth but success was attainable despite the hardships.

Topic sentence: In the stanza the rose is continuously chasing their dreams and never giving up conveys the idea that success is always possible with ongoing determination. In hope of pursuing their dreams and aspirations or furthering oneself in life. Evidence & citing: To confirm that thought Tupac wrote, “Funny it seems but keeping it dreams, it learned to breathe fresh air” (5). Going after what you want in life no matter the support if you believe in yourself success will always be the “fresh air” (5) to get a taste of a better life. Commentary: The conditions of the concrete are not natural therefore, it is possible for change which can allow all possibilities. The rose achieves freedom from the once deprived lifestyle by maintaining commitment to dreams through the impossibilities of the environment to in order to prosper to prove “nature’s law” (3) is wrong.

Topic sentence: The poet is personifying both bravery and loneliness because through it all they made it through the tough times alone and it took a brave individual to be able to believe in themselves and make it successfully alone. Evidence & citing: Despite the non-believers and the naysayers, the individual was able to rise above society status-quo. Commentary: Tupac poem attributes to his own reflection of growing up in a gang affiliated surrounding and being subjected to selling drugs or living in house with parents who are on drugs. Tupac found music to be his outlet and poetry to his outlet to express what he was experiencing within society in which was other like what other in society went through.

Topic sentence: A rose that grows needs nutrients, sunlight, and tender loving care. Evidence & citing: This rose that appeared from concreted seem to have a few damaged petals due to the struggle however, light there was always some ray of light to allow it to shine through. Commentary: A rose that grows in the concrete will be sure to attract attention and the need for others to want to know how it can possibly be done again. Leaving others to believe that more than one rose can grow from concrete around the world in similar environments. Even with opportunities presenting itself like the “crack” (2) in the concrete there will be obstacles that you will need to learn from in order to shape an individual for the better.

Topic sentence: The poem stanza expresses that the success is always possible with determination, regardless of any obstacles and limits. Commentary: The impact of the metaphor encourages the reader to think about the poem message but most importantly the imagery. Imagery allows the reader to use the words and symbolism to relate to the poem and what it is trying to convey. As result the readers mood is a feeling of determination and motivation. Overall, indicating that people of society have no means to escape their circumstances without the possibility of escaping through determination. The reader come to this conclusion with the comprehension of symbols.

Conclusion paragraph: In the last stanza Tupac writes. “Long live the rose that grew from concrete when no one else ever cared”(7-8) repetitiously reminding the reader of the that through the struggle the rose continues to pursue their dreams moving forward in life proving that you can have a positive outcome from a negative situation. The rose is to be praised for becoming famous and noticed for growth because no assisted or cared whether the rose made it. In the end the conflicting setting prevented the rose growth but could not hinder the rose commitment and determination to its goal.

All things are attainable in life despite being surrounded by the idea that no one successful rise above the circumstances they were born into or raised around. However, “nature’s law” (3) can be challenged and defied for one to make something of themselves.

Work Cited

1. Shakur, Tupac “The Rose that Grew from Concrete”