Like all literary texts, both “When I Think About Myself” and “Zero Hour” are products of the time in which they were written:

Question

Maya Angelou published the poem in 1971, having experienced a lifetime of racism and struggle as a Black woman.
Ray Bradbury first published the short story in 1947, just two years after the end of World War II, and at a time when people had begun to recognize the destructive potential of technology.
In an essay of 300 to 500 words, analyze the language of each text and share your thoughts about what it indicates about the historical and cultural surroundings of both the author and the audience. Include in your discussion an evaluation of each author’s success in creating a work whose language stands the test of time and is able to convey truths to a modern-day audience.
Use specific quotations and evidence from the texts to support your analysis.
When I Think About Myself text
When I think about myself, I almost laugh myself to death, My life has been one great big joke, A dance that’s walked A song that’s spoke, I laugh so hard I almost choke When I think about myself. Sixty years in these folks’ world The child I works for calls me girl I say ‘Yes ma’am’ for working’s sake. Too proud to bend Too poor to break, I laugh until my stomach ache, When I think about myself. My folks can make me split my side, I laughed so hard I nearly died, The tales they tell, sound just like lying, They grow the fruit, But eat the rind, I laugh until I start to crying,

zero hour is about
the imaginative world of children and their seemingly innocent game, which takes a darker turn as it intertwines with the realities of adult life and the concept of invasion.

Answer 1

The language used in Maya Angelou’s poem “When I Think About Myself” and Ray Bradbury’s short story “Zero Hour” both reflect the unique historical and cultural contexts in which they were created, while simultaneously resonating with contemporary audiences.

Maya Angelou’s poem, published in 1971, employs a playful yet deeply poignant tone. The opening line, "When I think about myself, I almost laugh myself to death," instantly engages the reader with a blend of humor and introspection. Through rhythmic language, Angelou captures the resilience of a Black woman who has faced systemic racism and economic hardship. The phrase "Sixty years in these folks’ world" as well as the casual reference to being called "girl" by a child encapsulates the persistent infantilization and marginalization that Black individuals have historically faced. The juxtaposition of laughter and pain in lines like “Too proud to bend / Too poor to break” highlights both the strength and the struggle inherent in her experiences.

Notably, Angelou’s humor serves as a coping mechanism, enabling her to address serious subject matter while remaining relatable. Her ability to make the audience “laugh until [she] starts crying” not only demonstrates vulnerability but also invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of adversity. The language transcends time, allowing modern readers to connect with her themes of identity, resilience, and joy in the face of oppression.

In contrast, Ray Bradbury’s “Zero Hour,” first published in 1947, uses stark, foreboding language to interrogate the innocence of childhood against the backdrop of technological anxiety that emerged after World War II. The story begins playfully, immersing the reader in the imaginative world of children who are engaging in a make-believe game. However, as the narrative unfolds, the language takes on a darker tone. Words like “invasion” and phrases such as “the adults didn’t understand” reflect the children’s conception of the terrifying outside world, emphasizing the fear of loss of innocence and the threat posed by technology.

Bradbury’s success in addressing the timeless theme of innocence lost can be captured in the tension between the children’s innocent play and the adults’ inability to grasp its deeper implications. The turning point of the narrative illustrates how the play is not just an escape but a vehicle through which the darker realities of adult life manifest. This intersection between childhood naivety and existential threat resonates today, as contemporary audiences grapple with the implications of technology and its impact on societal norms.

Overall, both Angelou and Bradbury skillfully use language reflective of their respective historical contexts while simultaneously engaging modern readers. Angelou’s blend of humor and melancholy, paired with Bradbury's interplay of innocence and foreboding, solidifies their works’ relevance across generations. Both authors reveal universal truths about the human experience—struggles against oppression and the loss of innocence—that continue to echo in contemporary narratives. Their ability to address complex themes through language that resonates with readers underscores the enduring power of literature throughout time.