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What Does Still I Rise Represent

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The image I drew to represent the poem “Still I Rise” is a detailed drawing of a phoenix. However, there is much more to the justification than meets the eye. The phoenix is a mythological bird that has the special ability of rebirth after death. I chose to represent the poem this way because the phoenix is the perfect encapsulation of the meaning, which is the African Americans being oppressed but eventually overcoming their hardships. Forty years ago, when the poem was written, African Americans were subject to horrible adversity; yet, they persevered and have come a long way to improving their style of life while becoming accepted as people, rather than only a colour. Similarly, the phoenix is usually tormented to the point of death but when thought to be finally defeated, it always rises up and overcomes it. It is depicted to be flying above the tainted background to represent the African Americans being bold and rising up, even in their cruel environment. The phoenix also reminds me of resilience because no matter what happens, it would …show more content…

The colours range from red to yellow, red at the heart of the phoenix and yellow towards the outside. This represents the phoenix shining like the sun, a beacon to all, similar to Maya Angelou and how she was an example for all African Americans to come. The bright red at the heart of the phoenix signifies its immense strength similar to the great resolve at the core of the author’s values. Next, the vibrant yellow represents the outward energy and passion of the African Americans, especially Maya Angelou. She valiantly stood up for her beliefs and fought for her freedom and rights, evident through her words: “I am the dream and the hope of the slave” (38). Lastly, the orange represents a mix of both the red and yellow colours. Just like the phoenix, Maya shows great resilience over her problems: the perfect mix of strength and

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