Literary Analysis and Explanation in "The Hill We Climb"

Amanda Gorman's poem "The Hill We Climb" made headlines all around the world following her performance at President Joe Biden's inauguration. The poem serves as a rallying cry for unity and hope, and its literary elements contribute to the powerful message conveyed in the work. This essay will analyze the poem's literary elements and discuss its themes of unity and hope.

Literary Analysis

A. Use of Imagery

Gorman uses vivid and powerful imagery to convey her message. For instance, she states "We've seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it, would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy." The image of a shattered nation illustrates the potential harm that division and violence could cause, while delaying democracy is a reminder of the importance of preserving the institution that enables change. The line, "But while democracy can be periodically delayed, It can never be permanently defeated," further highlights the resilience of democracy as an ideal that should always be fought for.

B. Theme of Symbolism

Gorman uses symbols to highlight the poem's themes of unity and hope. For example, she stresses an important African American tradition known as "the hill." In some black communities, getting over "the hill" represents the journey from hardship to success. In "The Hill We Climb," Gorman uses the hill as a metaphor for the challenges we face as a nation, saying, "We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free." The hill represents our journey toward progress and the effort required to achieve it.

C. Use of Figurative Language

Gorman employs various types of figurative language in her poem, including similes, metaphors and alliteration. For example, she uses an alliterative phrase, saying, "We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another." This powerful image conveys the idea that peace is possible when people decide to communicate and work together.

Explanation

A. Historical and Cultural Context of the Poem

The poem was written in the wake of the storming of the U.S. Capitol building on January 6th, 2021. Gorman wrote the poem in a time of intense political division and rising racial tensions in the country. The poem represents a call to action, inviting us to work toward a more unified future.

B. Intended Audience

The poem's intended audience is every person who has ever struggled but remained hopeful. Gorman wants to inspire each reader/listener in their personal journey to strive towards reaching their hill. She addresses the poem to the country as a whole, encouraged by the positive potential for transformation and growth.

C. Message and Themes of the Poem

At its core, the poem is a call for unity and hope. Gorman acknowledges the challenges that the country has faced in the recent past, but urges us all to remain determined in achieving a better future. She emphasizes the importance of working together towards that future, acknowledging that we all come from different backgrounds and have different ways of thinking.

Conclusion

"The Hill We Climb" is a powerful poem that appeals to all of us to work towards a better future. Its literary elements and themes of unity and hope have made it a significant contribution to the literary canon for generations to come. Gorman's words can serve as a guiding light for anyone who struggles to overcome their own hills, both personally and nationally.

References:

1. "We've seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it, would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy."
2. "But while democracy can be periodically delayed, It can never be permanently defeated."
3. "We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free."
4. "We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another."