Asked by Aubrey

What is the tone and theme of Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise"?
Answered by bobpursley
Theme. Strength of black women, or belief in oneself.
Tone. Hope? Pride?

What do you think?
Answered by Ms. Sue
Both the tone and the theme are summed up in her last lines:

"I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise. "

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/still-i-rise/

What do you think? I'll be glad to discuss it with you if I know your thoughts first.

Answered by Aubrey
" I am the dream and the hope of the slave." Refers to the woman the speaker has become (powerful and confident) which African American slaves aimed to obtain after all the inequalities and discrimination they experienced.

So theme = In a society that limits one's self-worth, with perseverance, one can overcome and triumph.

Am I on the right path...?
Answered by Ms. Sue
Yes! :-)

I think it also refers to the attitudes of some slaves even before they were emancipated. Angelou says that in a way slaves (or at least some slaves) were thumbing their noses at their masters behind their backs. She says that no one could keep their spirits down.

Answered by Aubrey
Would you agree "Still I Rise" also has autobiographical undertones such as Angelou's rape? Could "Does my sassiness upset you?: (5) and "Does my sexiness upset you?" (25) express her finally finding confidence in her sexuality/ sensuality (because she felt guilty in her own rape for so long)?
Answered by Ms. Sue
I'm sure you're right.

Answered by Aubrey
ok thanks!
Answered by Ms. Sue
You're welcome.

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