Multiple Interpretations Quick Check

Question

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Feature

Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise. . .

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

.But still, like air, I'll rise.

"Still I Rise" from AND STILL I RISE: A BOOK OF POEMS by Maya Angelou, copyright
© 1978 by Maya Angelou. Used by permission of Random House, an imprint and division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.

Question
Use the lines to answer the question.

What devices used by the poet support the interpretation that the poem emphasizes oppression? Select the two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

rhetorical questions
rhetorical questions

allusion
allusion

imagery
imagery

simile
simile

anaphora

Answer 1

The two correct answers that support the interpretation that the poem emphasizes oppression in "Still I Rise" are:

1. Imagery - The poet uses vivid descriptive language to evoke emotions and illustrate the experiences of oppression.
2. Anaphora - The repetition of the phrase "I’ll rise" throughout the poem highlights resilience in the face of oppression, emphasizing strength despite challenges.

While simile is also present in the poem (e.g., "like dust" and "like air"), the primary focus is on how imagery and anaphora strongly convey themes of oppression and resilience.