Diction And Syntax In Poems By Maya Angelou

Finally, Angelou uses purposeful diction and syntax in the poem. In terms of diction, she uses certain words to create a particular tone in each stanza. For example, in stanza 4, she uses the words ‘broken’, ‘bowed’, ‘falling,’ ‘teardrops’, and ‘cries’. These words help portray the melancholy tone in the stanza. The words - specifically ‘bowed’ and ‘lowered’ - are the opposite of rising, which is what the poem is about. Angelou does this because she wanted to add a variety of tones in her stanzas. Also, just like the rhyme scheme, the sad tone helps her convey how she will rise from her dark past and into a better future: it develops the dark past half of the message. In terms of the syntax, Angelou uses word inversion to accent certain words throughout the poem. An example is in line 24 where she writes,

The rhyme scheme emphasizes certain words that make Angelou’s message more clear; the comparisons in the figurative language give more specific details to the message; the syntax helps perpetuate the theme throughout the poem; and the diction develops the first half of the message. Each device Angelou used in this poem was for a particular purpose, which is one thing that makes it truly artistic. Moreover, Angelou’s exceptional use of literary devices to convey the theme exemplify her talent, style, and creativity in her writing. Her ability to write a poem on self-confidence and acceptance, even after the conflicts she faced in the past, goes on to show her strength as a human being in general. With the creativity and strength in spirit she possesses, Maya Angelou was certainly able to successfully convey her message to her audience: that each individual should find their self-worth, rise above their pasts and distaste others show toward them, look to a better future, and not let anyone or anything bring them