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.
Maya Angelou, a name synonymous with literary brilliance, social activism, and artistic versatility, stands as a monumental figure in American cultural and intellectual history. Her life, marked by both profound challenges and extraordinary achievements, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, creativity,...
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...
When we think of poetry, our minds often conjure up images of beautiful verses written on a page, carefully crafted to evoke emotions and paint vivid pictures. However, poetry is not limited to the written word. In fact, songs can be considered a form of...
Have you ever encountered a piece of writing that speaks to your soul and resonates with your own experiences? Maya Angelou’s poem “Caged Bird” does just that, with its rich use of figurative language that illuminates the struggles and aspirations of the human spirit. Through...
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 is a universal experience that every individual will eventually face. It is a natural progression of life, and yet, it often brings about a myriad of emotions and challenges. Through the lens of poetry, many writers have explored the theme of growing old,...
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 is a word that carries different meanings for different people. For some, it refers to the immediate relatives they are born into. For others, it extends beyond blood ties and includes chosen family members who are not related by blood but are considered as...
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.”
