Maya Angelou is known for her poems, songs, essays, memoirs but also as an important spokesperson for both black people and women, which makes her works interesting from multiple perspectives. Thus, students often encounter assignments focusing on her works in the context of her social activism – these are still ...Read More
Maya Angelou is known for her poems, songs, essays, memoirs but also as an important spokesperson for both black people and women, which makes her works interesting from multiple perspectives. Thus, students often encounter assignments focusing on her works in the context of her social activism – these are still valid/ important given the inequality issues our society faces. Whether you have to perform a poem analysis (both in terms of message and style) or to write an essay on any of her autobiographical works, you can review samples of such works below. These well-researched, well-structured, creative papers with great attention to detail (grammar, formatting, style, etc.) can serve as a good source of inspiration to guide your own writing.
Life and Influences Maya Angelou, whose real name was Marguerite Annie Johnson, was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. She didn't have it easy growing up; she faced a lot of tough times but still became one of the most famous writers...
Maya Angelou’s name is practically a legend when it comes to literary brilliance, social activism, and artistic versatility. She’s a giant in American cultural and intellectual history. Her life, full of challenges yet incredible achievements, is like a beacon showing how resilience, creativity, and advocacy...
Maya Angelou is a renowned African-American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. In her poem “Mama Welfare Roll,” Angelou sheds light on the struggles faced by African-American women in a society plagued by poverty and inequality. This essay aims to analyze the poem, delving into...
Introduction Maya Angelou’s poem “Woman Work” is a profound and evocative piece that explores the multifaceted nature of a woman’s labor. The poem, rich in both imagery and emotion, delves into the physical and emotional demands placed upon women, particularly those who juggle the responsibilities...
In the realm of American poetry, Maya Angelou and Paul Laurence Dunbar are two prominent figures who have captured the essence of the African American experience through their powerful works. Both poets delve into themes of identity, oppression, and the masks that individuals wear to...
The Power of Words When folks think about poetry, they often picture beautiful verses scribbled on a page, crafted to tug at the heartstrings and paint pictures in the mind. But poetry ain’t just what’s written down. Actually, songs are kinda like poems too. They...
You ever read something that just hits home, like it gets you right in the soul? Maya Angelou’s poem, “Caged Bird,” is one of those pieces. It’s got all this rich figurative language that really highlights the struggles and dreams we all have. Using a...
Maya Angelou’s poem, “Phenomenal Woman,” is a powerful celebration of self-acceptance, confidence, and inner beauty. In this essay, we will explore the themes and literary devices used by Angelou to convey her empowering message. By analyzing the cultural, historical, and personal contexts surrounding the poem,...
Growing Old: A Journey Explored Through Poetry Getting old is something everybody’s gonna deal with sooner or later. It’s just part of life, right? But even though it’s natural, it still stirs up all kinds of feelings and challenges. Lots of poets have tackled this...
Maya Angelou’s “Graduation” is a powerful and poignant account of her eighth-grade graduation ceremony. Through her vivid descriptions and heartfelt reflections, Angelou explores themes of racism, identity, and the power of education. This essay will delve into the summary and analysis of “Graduation” by Maya...
Family as a Source of Support and Love Family. It’s a word that can mean so many different things to different folks, right? For some, it’s all about their immediate relatives—the ones you’re born into. But for others, family stretches beyond those blood ties. You...
Maya Angelou’s “Graduation” is a poignant and powerful account of the author’s eighth-grade graduation ceremony in the segregated South. Through her vivid storytelling and evocative language, Angelou captures the emotional complexities of this milestone event and explores themes of race, identity, and the pursuit of...
May 28, 2014, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
Occupation
Writer, Poet, Civil Rights Activist
Poems
On the Pulse of Morning
Woman Work
A Brave and Startling Truth
Mother: A Cradle to Hold Me
We Had Him
Quotes
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
"Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible."
Date
April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014
Activity
Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, popular poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.
Works
“Down in the Delta”, “His Day Is Done”, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, “On the Pulse of Morning”
Themes
Angelou explores many of the same themes throughout all her writings, in both her autobiographies and poetry. These themes include love, painful loss, music, discrimination and racism, and struggle.
Legacy
When I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was published in 1969, Angelou was hailed as a new kind of memoirist, one of the first African-American women who were able to publicly discuss their personal lives. The Caged Bird helped increase Black feminist writings in the 1970s. Angelou's poetry has also influenced the modern hip-hop music community, including artists such as Kanye West, Common, Tupac Shakur, and Nicki Minaj.
Awards
Angelou was honored by universities, literary organizations, government agencies, and special interest groups. Her honors included a Pulitzer Prize nomination for her book of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie, a Tony Award nomination for her role in the 1973 play Look Away, and three Grammys for her spoken word albums. She served on two presidential committees, and was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1994, the National Medal of Arts in 2000, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Quotes
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
“When someone shows you who they are believe them the first time.”
