Question

What is the main message that the poem "Africa" suggests about the experience of misplaced Africans around the world?
a. They are in danger of forgetting their origins if they do not come together. b. They might be enslaved, but they are strong and moving towards freedom.
c. They are strong and free, and the rest of the world does not understand that yet.
d. They should reject the backbreaking work that does not value their intelligence.

Answer 1

Is this the poem?

Africa

Thus she had lain
sugercane sweet
deserts her hair
golden her feet
mountains her breasts
two Niles her tears.
Thus she has lain
Black through the years.

Over the white seas
rime white and cold
brigands ungentled
icicle bold
took her young daughters
sold her strong sons
churched her with Jesus
bled her with guns.
Thus she has lain.


Now she is rising
remember her pain
remember the losses
her screams loud and vain
remember her riches
her history slain
now she is striding
although she has lain.

Written by Maya Angelou

What is your answer?

Answer 2

I believe the correct answer is "b".

Answer 3

You may be right, but I prefer c.