Phenomenal Woman is a poem written by Maya Angelou, a prominent African American poet, author, and civil rights activist. The poem was originally published in 1978 and has since become a celebrated piece of literature, with its powerful message of self-acceptance and self-love resonating with readers around the world.
In Phenomenal Woman, Angelou uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to portray a woman who exudes confidence and pride in herself and her femininity. She begins the poem by describing the physical attributes of the woman, noting her "full, red lips," "curves and scallops," and "full hips and breasts." These descriptions serve to emphasize the woman's attractiveness and sensuality, but they also serve as a metaphor for her inner strength and resilience.
As the poem progresses, Angelou shifts from describing the woman's physical attributes to her inner qualities. She writes about the woman's "inner mystery," "inner beauty," and "inner strength," all of which contribute to her overall "phenomenal" nature. These qualities are not tied to any particular physical trait or appearance, but rather are a reflection of the woman's character and spirit.
One of the most striking aspects of Phenomenal Woman is its unapologetic celebration of femininity and womanhood. In a world where women are often judged and valued based on their looks and appearance, Angelou's poem stands out as a powerful tribute to the strength, resilience, and beauty of women. She writes, "I'm a woman / Phenomenally / Phenomenal woman / That's me." These lines convey the message that women are not defined by their appearance or their ability to conform to societal standards of femininity, but rather by their own unique qualities and characteristics.
In conclusion, Phenomenal Woman is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the beauty and strength of women. It encourages readers to embrace their own unique qualities and to embrace their femininity with confidence and pride. It is a timeless and much-loved piece of literature that continues to inspire and empower readers to this day.
phenomenal woman review
The truth and tone in them are worth a thousand reads on one's own and in schools. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Please read this book. Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed. They are so much better with her voice. I say, It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need of my care, 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally.
Here is a poem that radiates wisdom and conviction, renewing our belief in the glory and tender mercies of our gender. They should focus in on making sure their voice comes alive in the poem, and if possible, incorporate some use of repetition. Though it says "Celebrating Women", it is not necessary that only women can read these quintessential poems. It's 22 pages and it's small format makes it a lovely present for the important exceptional women in your life. They accuse me of livin' from day to day, but who are they kiddin'? I'm a woman Phenomenally. In these lines, Angelou summarizes what she said in the poem and states that she is proud of being a woman, a black woman. I enjoyed all the classic timeless poems in this book.
review of the poemâPhenomenal Womanâ, by opportunities.alumdev.columbia.eduan
It revels in its inclusivity. I say, It's in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. She's a phenomenal author. It's a tricky matter for me, please understand. Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed.
Her poetry deserves as many stars as there are in the black night sky. I say, It's the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I read this years ago. I like many poems in this book such as Still I Rise which is in defense of a woman who lives in a segregated society. As for me, I shall not be moved. Maya simply extols the WOMAN.
When I have my own home and I begin to collect the books that I want at my side, this will be one of the first I seek. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Every woman should read this at least once. Maya Angelou is a huge inspiration. And when i say little i am referring to the number of pages rather then its meaning which i find inspirational, magnificent and unforgettable.
Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women by Maya Angelou
I'm not on top but I call it swell From Weekend Glory Whenever I feel the pressure of a misogynistic world, this is the book I will run to. The poem is given an extra dimension, as it is accompanied by reproductions of paintings of Tahitian women by Paul Gauguin, who died 25 years before Angelou was born. But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. She is effortlessly eloquent and each word is perfectly selected to fit. She is effortlessly eloquent and each word is perfectly selected to fit. New York: Longman, 2006.
It can change your life. When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. Each double page spread has a painting by Gauguin, plus two lines, a couplet or maybe more, from Angelou's poem. I say, It's the fire in my eyes, An Phenomenal Woman Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. Spreading the strength of her spirit through her words. I used to walk around quoting Phenomenal Women while thrusting out my hips to one side, throwing out my arms with my hands in what I thought were sophisticated poses one higher than the other, and puckering my lips.
The last poem "Our Grandmothers" is an ode to grandmothers. Phenomenal woman, That's me. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. The secret of the Phenomenal Woman is that she is her own woman. When you get, give. The only thing needed, according to Angelou, is the confidence and absence of fear to show it to the surrounding world.
