essay for equality by maya angelou

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“Equality” by Maya Angelou: A Critical Analysis

Equality” by Maya Angelou was published in 1978 in her collection And Still I Rise.

Introduction: “Equality” by Maya Angelou

Table of Contents

Equality” by Maya Angelou was published in 1978 in her collection And Still I Rise . The poem uses powerful repetition and vivid imagery to convey the speaker’s unwavering determination in the fight for equality and freedom. Angelou uses metaphors like “blinders” and “padding” to represent societal barriers imposed upon the speaker, and emphasizes an enduring, rhythmic spirit with references to drums and a pulsing tempo. Her work doesn’t simply mention qualities and features, it embodies them.

Text: “Equality” by Maya Angelou

You declare you see me dimly through a glass which will not shine, though I stand before you boldly, trim in rank and marking time. You do own to hear me faintly as a whisper out of range, while my drums beat out the message and the rhythms never change. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free. You announce my ways are wanton, that I fly from man to man, but if I’m just a shadow to you, could you ever understand ? We have lived a painful history, we know the shameful past, but I keep on marching forward, and you keep on coming last. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free. Take the blinders from your vision, take the padding from your ears, and confess you’ve heard me crying, and admit you’ve seen my tears. Hear the tempo so compelling, hear the blood throb in my veins. Yes, my drums are beating nightly, and the rhythms never change. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free.

Annotations: “Equality” by Maya Angelou

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Equality” by Maya Angelou

Themes: “Equality” by Maya Angelou

• Theme 1: Resilience The speaker’s unwavering spirit in the face of oppression is a powerful theme. They’ve been subjected to attempts to diminish and silence them (“you declare you see me dimly”) but their strength shines through. The repeated phrase “And still, like dust, I’ll rise” highlights that no matter how they are treated, their spirit remains unbroken.
• Theme 2: Inherent Human Equality Angelou challenges the very foundation of oppression by highlighting the shared humanity between the speaker and those who would seek to dominate them. The lines “the same hot blood,” and “the same cool breath” emphasize that the speaker is fundamentally equal to those who treat them unjustly.
• Theme 3: Defiance Against Oppression This poem stands as a defiant call against all forms of oppression. The speaker boldly proclaims “Equality – and I will be free” challenging the power of their oppressors. The repeated phrase “You may… but still” (as in “You may shoot me with your words… but still, like air, I’ll rise.”) highlights their refusal to be subdued.
• Theme 4: Inevitability of Change Angelou cleverly uses natural imagery to convey the inevitability of social change and the pursuit of justice. The rising sun is a recurring image of hope and new beginnings, while the reference to “the tide that rushes in” paints the fight for equality as a natural and unstoppable force.

Literary Theories and “Equality” by Maya Angelou

Critical Questions about “Equality” by Maya Angelou

1. How does Angelou use the drumming imagery to establish both the speaker’s internal rhythm and connection to a greater movement?

• “Now you understand / Just why my head’s not bowed. / I don’t shout or jump about / Or have to talk real loud. / When you see me passing, / It ought to make you proud.”
• Analysis: The drumbeat can represent the indomitable spirit within the speaker, and likely connects to broader traditions of African and African-American music as expressions of resistance and community.

2. How does the shift in tone, from questioning to assertive, reflect the speaker’s journey toward empowerment?

• “You may trod me in the very dirt / But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”
• Analysis: Early stanzas pose questions, reflecting doubt and uncertainty. Yet, the declarations of the later stanzas show a shift toward an unwavering belief in inevitable equality.

3. How does the speaker’s connection to nature undermine the oppressor’s attempts to diminish them?

• “Does my sassiness upset you? / Why are you beset with gloom? / ’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells / Pumping in my living room.”
• Analysis: Natural imagery (sun, tide) portrays forces beyond human control. This links the drive for equality to something unstoppable, making attempts at control seem futile.

4. Could this poem be interpreted as a call to action, and if so, what kind of action is encouraged?

• “Equality, and I will be free.”
• Analysis: The poem doesn’t outline practical steps, but stirs a defiant spirit. Is this about inner strength, collective action, or something else entirely?

Literary Works Similar to “Equality” by Maya Angelou

• “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: Shares themes of perseverance and defiance against oppression, similar tone of unwavering determination.
• “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley: Focuses on the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity, offering a parallel to the speaker’s resilience in “Equality.”
• “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou: Explores the fight for freedom from both literal and figurative forms of captivity, thematically similar to “Equality”.
• “I, Too” by Langston Hughes: Asserts the speaker’s place in American society, mirroring “Equality’s” demand for recognition of inherent equality.
• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass: Autobiographical account of a fight for freedom from slavery; directly highlights systemic oppression that “Equality” also addresses.
• “ Letter from Birmingham Jail ” by Martin Luther King Jr.: A powerful argument for social justice and call to action, similar to the implicit challenge in “Equality” against complacency.
• “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday: Protest against racial violence, mirroring the subtler but still present critique of unjust systems in “Equality.”
• “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke: Civil Rights era anthem embodying hope and the inevitability of change, similar to the thematic undercurrent in “Equality.”

Suggested Readings: “Equality” by Maya Angelou

Scholarly monographs:.

• Braxton, Joanne M. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: A Casebook . Oxford University Press, 1999. (Provides in-depth analysis of Angelou’s work, often including attention to her poetry and the recurring themes relevant to understanding “Equality”.)
• Gillespie, Marcia Ann, et al. Maya Angelou: A Glorious Celebration . Doubleday, 2008. (While focused on Angelou’s life, this work likely offers contextual details and insights that could shed further light on the motivations and themes present in “Equality”.)

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:

• McWhorter, John. “Saint Maya.” The New Republic , vol. 219, no. 11, 1998, pp. 35-41. (Offers a critical, sometimes contrarian perspective on Angelou’s legacy, inviting a multifaceted understanding of how readers engage with “Equality”.)
• Neubauer, Paul. “Maya Angelou: Poetic Witness.” The Missouri Review , vol. 31, no. 3, 2008, pp. 77-95. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20712891. (Focuses specifically on Angelou’s poetic techniques, providing tools for close reading and deeper analysis of “Equality.”)

Reputable Websites:

• Poetry Foundation: Maya Angelou. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/ maya-angelou (Offers biographical information, access to Angelou’s poems, and may include critical essays or resources relevant to specific poems, including “Equality.”)
• The Academy of American Poets: Maya Angelou. https://poets.org/poet/maya-angelou (Similar to the Poetry Foundation, providing a starting place for research and potential critical analyses.)

Related posts:

• “The Darkling Thrush” by Thomas Hardy: Analysis
• “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson: Analysis
• “Yet Do I Marvel” by Countee Cullen: Analysis
• “Terminus” by Ralph Waldo Emerson: Analysis

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By Maya Angelou

‘Equality’ by Maya Angelou is an uplifting poem with a positive message. It speaks movingly about the possibilities of the future.

Maya Angelou

Nationality: American

She's also known for her autobiographical works.

Poem Analyzed by Andrew Walker

B.A. Honors in Professional Writing and Communication (Minor in Historical Studies)

Angelou’s writing style , story, and typical literary content make the topic of equality a very natural one for her to write about and discuss in a promising and impressive fashion. The topic of equality is hardly a new or unique idea, and thankfully the concept has received a great deal of momentum since Angelou was born in 1928. Her input on the topic in the form of her distinctive poetry offers a compelling message that has remained relevant since the moment it was written. Angelou’s use of metaphor , imagery , repetition and notable word choice creates a significant and noticeable atmosphere that stays with the reader long after the poem has been read and re-read.

Equality Analysis

You declare you see me dimly through a glass which will not shine, (…) while my drums beat out the message and the rhythms never change.

‘Equality’ is a poem without a stable form, but rather the structure of the poem flows in accordance with its own content. This first verse , for example, follows a similar structure to the other main verses in that its rhyming pattern is ABCB and that is contains a number of thematic elements that will be repeated later. It is different in that the first eight lines of the poem are all one verse, in contrast to the use of two quatrains that will be employed later on. In this case, the content simply flows naturally from one idea to the next, and these eight lines work well as one verse, without the interruption of thought that a line break usually creates.

Throughout the poem, Angelou employs a similar style , with that rhyming pattern holding true, though occasionally using half-rhymes rather than full ones. The poem is written as a message spoken by a single narrator addressing another figure but is written as though the “I” is representative of a larger group and the “you” is representative of something similar.

In the first verse, the speaker discusses the idea of being seen, and how this idea does not necessarily mean as much as it might. The idea of being seen “through a glass which will not shine” brings to mind the image of a pair of glasses, a spyglass, or a similar lens through which one person can see something else — except that the glass does not shine. This metaphor suggests that while the speaker is seen, they are not necessarily seen entirely, or understood for having been seen. The “though” in the third line makes it seem as though the following description of “standing boldly” is something that is being missed by the observer. The speaker is seen, but their pose, their demeanour, and their intentions are not.

The second half of the first verse begins with an oddly-worded phrase: “You do own to hear me faintly.” Grammatically, this makes little sense (“own to” in general is not a logical phrase), but here, the use of the word “own” is telling. Ownership over another person, and “owning” the ability to listen to them, albeit faintly, is an indication that the topic of the poem is likely centered around slavery and taking away the freedoms of another individual. In this light, the “I” of the poem likely represents those who have been oppressed and sold into slavery, while the “you” represents their forced masters. While the themes expressed thus far could be applied to many elements of injustice, the word choice here is indicative of something specific and markedly terrible.

The last two lines of the verse use a metaphor for hope to signal a slight “silver lining” to the piece. The drums of the speaker are not likely a literal reference, but another way of expressing a personal and intimate aspect of self that endures throughout even the worst of hardships.

When the speaker declares that the rhythm never changes, it suggests that this beat or rhythm has been with them for a long time, and their own terrible experiences cannot change the things that are a part of them. In the context of slavery, this brings to mind the musical culture native to various African peoples. If this is the intended reference, it suggests that the music they grew up within freedom is still a part of them, and their memory of it and desire to follow it cannot be broken, no matter what is done to them.

Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free.

These next two lines use repetition to make a powerful point more pronounced. The meaning behind the words is simple enough to decipher — the speaker equates equality with freedom. They will still live in the same area physically, surrounded by the same people, but if they are equals among those people, they will consider themselves liberated. With the implied theme of slavery prominent in the first verse, these lines take on additional contextual meaning, though it is hardly necessary to think too deeply on it — to be equal in a society is to be free within it.

The repetition of the line, as well as the way the two lines separate two similarly-structured verses has a strong influence on the pace of the poem. It breaks up the verses and cuts through the atmosphere as well, by introducing a hopeful, almost idealistic (which is a sad commentary in itself, as yearning for equality should never be an idealistic thing to do) element to the poem following a verse that has its own darker and more downcast atmosphere. It almost reads as the chorus in a song, and this may have even been the author’s intention — though it is also likely that the substantial repetition surrounding this line is to highlight its immeasurable importance to the meaning of the whole.

Stanza Three

You announce my ways are wanton, (…) could you ever understand ?

After the break for the call for equality, the poem resumes its previous structure, with the noticeable difference of breaks between the two quatrains that were merged in the first verse. The first line of this next verse gives the poem a harsh, accusing tone , and gives the speaker a kind of moral high ground. The atmosphere in this verse is only slightly altered from the first one, and reads in a more mournful, almost pleading tone, though the words have a bite to them. The speaker is accused of being immoral or indecent and told that their life consists of being with one man and then the other as often as they deem necessary.

The use of the word “wanton,” along with the common expression of moving “from man to man” suggests that the speaker is a prostitute, or can be compared to one in their personal life. Interestingly, the accusation is not denied but rather is met with another accusation from the narrator: that someone who judges them for the things they do is someone who could not understand being in a position to do them.

The language used here is powerful. The speaker describes their own self as being “a shadow” in the eyes of their accuser, suggesting that they are beneath them in their social hierarchy. However, they follow up this observation by pointing out that because of this metaphorical distance between the two, the accuser cannot possibly understand their own accusation. In a way, the speaker is placed above the accuser not by denying their words, but by defending their actions.

In this verse, the notion of the “you” and the “I” is challenged somewhat, because the idea of social injustice is harder to apply here. If the speaker is a sex worker, for example, then the other’s judgement of them only makes sense if they chose the industry, as their response makes sense if they had reasons for choosing that industry that others might not understand. While the motifs established so far remain strong — equality, persecution, and willful blindness, for instance — the simple roles of the “you” and the “I” are challenged somewhat.

Stanzas Four and Five

We have lived a painful history, we know the shameful past, (…) Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free.

In the next verse, the “I” becomes a “we,” and this amplifies the impression the reader has of a group that is being discriminated against. The “painful history” and “shameful past” suggest that the speaker is one of the latest generations amidst a long line of persecuted or hated people, all of whom simply yearned for equality. The idea of slavery and the long period of racist discrimination that followed it continues to fit with the words of the poem.

The last verse, which described the speaker as being either in an unfortunate personal situation or an undesirable industry for employment makes it plausible that while the speaker may not be a slave in their society, they may be experiencing racist discrimination following a time when such a thing was sadly commonplace.

The verse does revisit the theme of hope in the work, however, by stating that the “we” of the poem have endured their difficult history and painful lineage and that the speaker responds to everything they’ve described in this poem by moving forward and not giving up. The final line, “and you keep on coming last” could have a plethora of meanings depending on the actual roles of the “I” and the “you.” It implies that while the speaker and their comrades are moving forward, the rest of their more privileged society is complacent and is metaphorically standing still by accepting their lots, in direct contrast to those who seek to improve their lives.

After this, the credo equating freedom with equality is repeated, once again affirming the message intended for the work and breaking up the flow of the harsh, unapologetic verses. The sense of repetition is obvious here, and its reasoning clear — this is the message that must remain with the reader, and possibly with the narrator, above all others.

Stanzas Six and Seven

Take the blinders from your vision, take the padding from your ears, (…) Yes, my drums are beating nightly, and the rhythms never change.

The next verse returns the role of the accuser to the speaker, who speaks in an almost commanding way to their society here, demanding that they “confess” their willful blindness to the injustices they create. In the narrator’s mind, it is impossible that anyone is entirely oblivious to pain seen on such a massive scale, and they know that their tormentor is aware of their own wrongdoings. The image of blinders and paddings is an effective metaphor for those who would rather not acknowledge an ugly truth, and it is used to great effect here, as the speaker confesses their own moments of weakness in the form of pain and tears that others have heard and seen, but chosen to ignore.

Stanza Eight

In the final full verse of the poem in this structure, the perspective shifts slightly. It begins as a continuation of the previous command and begins with the word “hear,” indicating that they are once again telling someone else to “remove the padding” around their ears and listen, but this time the sound is not a literal one. While the flow of blood does make some sound, it is not something that can easily be literally listened to — but a heartbeat is a symbolic noise with great meaning.

The beat of a heart is being compared to the beat of a drum, and in this way, the speaker’s literal drive for life is metaphorically one and the same with the culturally significant beat of drums, that remnant of home, repeated here to conclude the verse and remind the reader and the other alike that despite the tears and vulnerability expressed here, they are as strong as ever, and will not give up on what it is they truly need:

Historical Context

In her life, Maya Angelou was an African-American poet and civil rights activist, though these terms seem almost simple when applied to her. Throughout her life, she has worked in the film, television, and theatre industries, in the music industry, in the sex trade industry, and, finally, in the literary industry. Her experiences throughout life are well-documented in her autobiographies and collections of poetry, but she is widely remembered for her civil activism. She worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr., and was considered a spokesperson for people of colour across the United States. She constantly made a point of critiquing what was considered normal and was not afraid of demanding change.

From her childhood, Angelou was the subject of discrimination. In one notable example, she was sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend at the age of eight. When she told her family what had happened, they reported the crime. The man was found guilty and served a jail sentence of one day. He was later murdered, and Angelou became mute, afraid to speak for fear that her voice , in reporting the crime, had killed her abuser.

Throughout ‘Equality’ , there are clear themes of discrimination, which line up with Angelou’s public contributions towards the fight for civil rights. Her own experiences make it very likely that she is the narrator of the poem. This is particularly notable within the second and third verses (after the first “equality and I will be free”), where Angelou is more than likely discussing her years working as a prostitute and table dancer, among other similar jobs. Angelou joined this industry, largely illegally, to care for her newborn son while fighting against racism in society — this is likely a sliver of the meaning behind “could you ever understand?” in that verse.

For around ten years, Angelou worked in the music industry, and brought that element of culture to the fight for equality with Martin Luther King Jr. She released her first album, Miss Calypso , in 1957, which is recorded in the calypso style, an Afro-Caribbean style of music that may be the inspiration behind the repeated references to the drums and the beat that never changes.

The themes of ‘Equality’ and the themes of Angelou’s autobiographical works share many similarities with one another. It is clear that this is a deeply personal piece for its author, and is designed to resonate strongly with the reader by bringing them into Angelou’s own world, just for long enough to understand what it is she spent her life fighting for as best as she could.

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Could you highlight any important metaphors in more detail?

In the opening stanza, Angelou uses dirty “glass” as a metaphor for the way people perceive black people. The suggestion is that views are unfairly tarnished. She also likens her voice to a drum to highlight which I think is a powerful metaphor. In most songs, the drum beat is ever present beneath everything else. The same could be said of her message.

Can you include what message the poem conveys Thank you😁.

Perhaps unsurprisingly it is promoting equality.

Can you include the types of figurative language/literary devices used in the poem for each stanza? What figurative language is “We have lived a painful history, we know the shameful past”?

Hello. The line you have quoted I wouldn’t say is figurative. I’d say it is meant to be taken quite literally. In the first stanza, there is lots of figurative language. For instance when the speaker says “through a glass that will not shine” I think what the speaker is trying to say is that societies views on people of colour are clouded. There is always an (unfair) prejudice. What I love about the opening stanza is that the lines alternate between 7 and 8 syllables consistently which makes it appear like the rhythm of the drum mentioned at the end of the stanza. I’m not going to comment on the refrain but in the following section, there are two beautiful images. The first is that the speaker is accused of flying “from man to man” the use of the word fly is an interesting verb because the noun is …  Read more »

So touching

It’s a lovely poem, isn’t it?

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Walker, Andrew. "Equality by Maya Angelou". Poem Analysis , https://poemanalysis.com/maya-angelou/equality/ . Accessed 30 August 2024.

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PoetryVerse

Maya Angelou

You declare you see me dimly through a glass which will not shine, though I stand before you boldly, trim in rank and marking time. You do own to hear me faintly as a whisper out of range, while my drums beat out the message and the rhythms never change. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free. You announce my ways are wanton, that I fly from man to man, but if I'm just a shadow to you, could you ever understand? We have lived a painful history, we know the shameful past, but I keep on marching forward, and you keep on coming last. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free. Take the blinders from your vision, take the padding from your ears, and confess you've heard me crying, and admit you've seen my tears. Hear the tempo so compelling, hear the blood throb in my veins. Yes, my drums are beating nightly, and the rhythms never change. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free.

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Loving. Healing. Touching.

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Racism and discrimination continue to plague our society, and those themes are clearly seen in this poem by famous poet maya angelou. she was not only an author and poet. maya angelou was also a civil rights activist. in this poem, she encourages people to keep moving forward. don’t give up the fight for equality. the repetition of “equality, and i will be free,” draws the reader’s attention to this poem's important and emotional message..

Truely inspirational poem. This is the cry of present time that it is the 21st century and people are still struggling for equality, which is far from reach for many.

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Famous Poem

You declare you see me dimly through a glass which will not shine, though I stand before you boldly, trim in rank and marking time. You do own to hear me faintly as a whisper out of range, while my drums beat out the message and the rhythms never change. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free. You announce my ways are wanton, that I fly from man to man, but if I'm just a shadow to you, could you ever understand? We have lived a painful history, we know the shameful past, but I keep on marching forward, and you keep on coming last. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free. Take the blinders from your vision, take the padding from your ears, and confess you've heard me crying, and admit you've seen my tears. Hear the tempo so compelling, hear the blood throb in my veins. Yes, my drums are beating nightly, and the rhythms never change. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free.

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It is a touching poem. It is a cry for the humans to think twice before they make the fellow humans suffer because they are different in colour, ethnicity or religion.

Beautiful poetry from Maya Angelou, a truly courageous, inspirational women whose work and words will live on in the hearts of mankind forever.

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10 of the Best Maya Angelou Poems Everyone Should Read

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was not just a poet, of course: she was an influential civil rights campaigner in the United States, and her autobiography, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings , is a classic of the genre. But several of her poems are well-known, and she was popular as a poet during her lifetime and a couple of the poems that follow, at the very least, remain famous.

Below, we’ve picked some of Maya Angelou’s very best poems, as a ‘way in’ to her work.

‘ Still I Rise ’.

This wonderfully self-assertive poem about picking yourself up and striving to achieve, even in the face of adversity, was used for an advertising campaign by the UNCF in the US, but its message of selfhood and determination is one that should be heard by all.

A kind of protest poem which is defiant as well as celebratory, ‘Still I Rise’ is about the power of the human spirit to overcome discrimination and hardship, with Angelou specifically reflecting her attitudes as a black American woman. Maya Angelou’s work, both her poetry and her autobiographies, is about the importance of not being defeated by the obstacles and challenges life throws at you.

When ‘you’ here denotes an African-American woman who grew up with more than her fair share of hardship, the message of her poems becomes even more rousing: Angelou had known what it was to struggle. It’s the perfect place to begin exploring Angelou’s poetry – and the ideal poem to head our selection of her must-read poems.

‘ Phenomenal Woman ’.

Being a ‘phenomenal woman’ is not about being a certain size, or a particular shape. It’s about how you carry yourself, and how you behave. As with several other poems on this list of Maya Angelou poems, ‘Phenomenal Woman’ is about being unbowed, about holding one’s head high and being proud of who one is.

‘ Caged Bird ’.

This poem, contrasting the free bird with the caged bird, perhaps owes a debt to William Blake: Angelou’s reference to a ‘bird that stalks / down his narrow cage / can seldom see through / his bars of rage’ evokes Blake’s famous couplet ‘A Robin Redbreast in a Cage / Puts all Heaven in a Rage.’

But the more immediate link is with Angelou’s own work, and her 1969 autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings . The free bird has no need of song, but the caged bird sings because it is not free.

There are obvious parallels here between African American women in the United States and white American women, but Angelou does not reduce her poem to such a straightforward equivalence. Instead, it can be read as a poem about freedom and isolation in more general terms (although personally we think it benefits from having its specific context borne in mind).

‘ On the Pulse of Morning ’.

This earns its place on our list of Maya Angelou’s best poems because of its historic importance as much as its literary merits (the poem received mixed reviews from critics): Angelou recited this poem at the inauguration of US President Bill Clinton in January 1993.

This made Angelou only the second poet ever to read a poem at a presidential inauguration (the first had been Robert Frost at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961) and the first woman to do so (and the first African American).

‘ Equality ’.

Here we have another Angelou poem in which the individual speaker represents all African-American people. In this rousing poem which addresses racial discrimination, Angelou equates the struggle for equality – specifically, racial equality – with the struggle for freedom.

The poem concludes with the image of an insistent drumbeat which marks the rhythm of social change which the speaker and others involved in civil rights have established.

‘ The Mothering Blackness ’.

This is a poem about returning home. The subject of the poem is a girl who goes home to her mother’s arms, afraid and ‘creeping’ because she fears she is in trouble.

Yet Angelou tells us that the girl in the poem is ‘blameless’, inviting us to read the poem as about ‘mothers’ and ‘daughters’ in a wider sense: it is about the generational shift between African-American women of Angelou’s mother’s age, and those of Angelou’s own generation.

‘ Woman Work ’.

Many of Maya Angelou’s best-known poems focus on the plight of women, and specifically Black women. Another important strand to her work is work itself: a focus on the daily menial tasks which many wives and mothers have to carry out around the home as part of their domestic duties.

This poem is perhaps the best example of this theme in Angelou’s poetry. The speaker is such a woman, who nevertheless finds something to call her ‘own’ when she looks to the sun, the rain, the oceans, and the mountains: nature’s bounty.

‘ Harlem Hopscotch ’.

Here’s another poem in which racial inequality is tied to freedom, although poverty is another salient theme of the poem. The references to food being gone and rent being due suggest that life is a constant struggle for the Black Americans depicted in the poem, which takes its title from a prominent African-American district in New York.

‘ These Yet to Be United States ’.

Playing on the name of her home country, Angelou invites us to reflect on the divisive nature of the ‘United’ States of America – a country in which racial and socio-economic divisions loom large.

Angelou refers to some of the great ‘achievements’ of America, from the Telstar satellite to the atomic bomb. Can a country capable of such technological inventions not also heal itself of its social division?

‘ Life Doesn’t Frighten Me ’.

A poem about overcoming fear and not allowing it to master you, ‘Life Doesn’t Frighten Me’ is the perfect poem to conclude this pick of Maya Angelou’s best poems: a powerful declaration of self-belief and the importance of facing one’s fears.

Angelou lists a number of things, from barking dogs to grotesque fairy tales in the Mother Goose tradition, but comes back to her mantra: ‘Life doesn’t frighten me at all’. We’re especially fond of Angelou’s image of walking the ocean floor and never having to breathe.

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Equality by Maya Angelou: poem analysis

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This is an analysis of the poem Equality that begins with:

You declare you see me dimly through a glass which will not shine, ...

More information about poems by Maya Angelou

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• Analysis of Awaking In New York
• Analysis of A Brave And Startling Truth

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When Was Equality By Maya Angelou Written

Maya Angelou’s iconic work, Equality, was first published in 1978 as a part of her collection of essays and poems called And Still I Rise. It is a powerful piece that serves as a call to arms to fight back against racism and injustice. Written in a simple, but impactful style, it carries an important message that still resonates to this day. It has been adopted by organizations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent.

The poem Equality is the result of Angelou’s own experiences with racial injustice. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, she was exposed to racism in all its forms and she wanted to use her words to speak out against it. She captures the pain and suffering of people of color as well as the beauty and strength of their spirit.Her words are a reminder that justice and equality are not just ideals, but are necessary for a fair and just society.

The structure of Equality is that of a sonnet, with fourteen lines divided into two sections of seven lines each. The poem is written in the present tense to emphasize its immediacy. It opens with an exclamation of “Why?” to direct our attention to the wrongs suffered by people of color, before telling us that racism and injustice will not be solved by “silent cries.” The poem moves on to a plea for action, a demand for us to make changes in our society. It is a call to fight against injustice, to bring equality and peace.

Angelou’s words are both stirring and powerful. They demand to be heard and spark a desire for change. It is a song of freedom, of resistance, and of hope. It is a powerful call to action to speak out against injustice and to fight for equal rights. At a time when racism is still rampant, Equality is a reminder that we must continue our fight for justice and equality.

Equality is a beautiful and inspiring poem that serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and equality. It is an important part of Maya Angelou’s legacy and continues to be celebrated and shared around the world.Angelou reminds us that each of us has a responsibility to speak out against injustice and to create a fair and just world for all.

Interpreting Equality

Maya Angelou’s poem, Equality, is a powerful statement about the need for justice and equality for all. Through the poem, Angelou speaks out against racism, injustice and inequality – issues that continue to plague our society today. As such, it is important that we understand what Angelou is trying to say in her poem.

Equality’s fourteen lines can be divided into two parts, with the first seven lines communicating the pain suffered by people of color due to racism and injustice. Angelou’s use of the present tense emphasizes the immediacy of the message, that this type of discrimination still exists. The second part of the poem is a call to action, a plea to make a stand and fight back against these injustices.

The poem’s structure and language serve to emphasize its message. Through the power of her words, Angelou conveys a strong sense of urgency and a call for justice and equality. She highlights how progress can only be made if we take action and speak out against inequality and racism. equality is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the injustices still faced by many people of color today, and serves as a reminder that we must all play a part in fighting for justice and equality.

The Impact of Equality

Maya Angelou’s poem, Equality, has had a lasting impact on society. Since its publication in 1978, it has become an anthem for the fight for justice and equality. It is a powerful reminder of Mr. Angelou’s commitment to fight for racial justice and how much progress has been made since it was first published.

Equality has been adopted by organizations that are working to end discrimination. For example, Amnesty International and the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent have both used the poem for their campaigns for justice and equality. The poem has also been used to celebrate Black History Month, as a reminder of the work we must do to achieve true equality.

Angelou’s poem has become a rallying cry for the fight against racism and injustice. It has inspired millions to take a stand and fight for the equity, justice and equality that everyone deserves. The poem is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to work toward a more equitable and just society.

Equality as a Literary Work

Equality is more than just a powerful call to action; it is also a great example of literature. Maya Angelou has created a poetic masterpiece that speaks of injustice and inequality, but also of hope, courage, and resilience. She uses simple, but powerful language to capture her message and construct an enduring poem.

The poem is structured as a sonnet and is written in accentual-syllabic verse. This allows Angelou to emphasize the rhythm of the poem and its powerful message. The poem has an A B A B rhyme scheme, which helps to create a feeling of resolution that reflects the poem’s message. Each word is carefully chosen to convey its meaning, allowing the reader to make their own interpretation of the poem.

Equality is a powerful testament to Maya Angelou’s creativity and talent. It is a moving poem that serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and equality. It is a poetic masterpiece that speaks volumes about the power of words, the resilience of the human spirit, and the fight for racial justice.

Cultural Significance of Equality

Maya Angelou’s poem, Equality, has become an important part of the cultural landscape since its publication in 1978. It has become a rallying cry for the fight against racism and injustice, and has been adopted by organizations that are working to end racism. Its message has resonated with people around the world, and it has become a part of the canon of African American literature.

The poem highlights the struggles of people of color, particularly in the Jim Crow South, and the need for justice. It serves as a reminder of the difficulties facing people of color, and the importance of taking a stand against injustice. It also speaks to the power of words, and how art can be used to effect change.

Equality is a powerful poem that speaks to the struggle for racial justice and the importance of fighting for equality and justice for all. It has become an anthem for the fight for racial justice, and a reminder to speak out against injustice and to create a more equitable and just society for all.

Critical Analysis of Equality

Maya Angelou’s poem, Equality, is a powerful and inspirational work that speaks to the need for justice and equality for all. Angelou, through her words, conveys a sense of urgency and speaks of the importance of taking a stand against discrimination and injustice. Through her use of the present tense, she emphasizes the immediacy of the message and conveys the idea that this fight must be ongoing if we are to achieve lasting change.

The poem is an example of protest literature, a form of art used to highlight and speak out against injustice. Angelou’s use of the sonnet form to convey her message also speaks to her poetic skill and attention to detail. The poem’s structure, rhyme scheme, and imagery all contribute to the overall impact of the work.

Through the power of her words, Angelou creates a powerful piece of literature that speaks to the need for justice and equality. She speaks to the pain and suffering of many, but also to the beauty and strength of the human spirit. Equality is a powerful and inspiring call to action, a reminder that we must all take responsibility for creating a more equitable and just world.

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

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