Our Grandmothers By Maya Angel Essay - 703 Words

Imagery In The Poem amp;#8220;Our Grandmothers; by Maya Angelou Image (Imagery) amp;#8211; Descriptive poetry flourished. One basic meaning for amp;#8216;imageamp;#8217; is provided by that context, but other, looser and more treacherous, meanings have accreted: any sensuous effect provoked by literary language; any striking language; metaphor; symbol; any figure. Maya Angelouamp;#8217;s poem, amp;#8220;Our Grandmotheramp;#8217;s,; vividly exemplifies a sense of imagery that is brought to life. The most effective way that, Maya Angelou presents imagery to the readers is through the setting. Firstly, at the beginning of the poem the narrator describes the current state of the main character and gives a brief description of†¦show more content†¦These few selected lines are important to the development of imagery through the setting. Here the narrator comments, that even though slavery was a thing of the past, it still exists in modern day society. The readers feel as if they are actually there, undermining the role of the main character and experience the horrors of living in a racially discriminatory world. The feel of standing on the corner prostituting oneamp;#8217;s self to make ends meet because no one will give you a job for the color of your skin is too dark. It is sad to say, but apparently is the type of world we live in. Maya Angelou leaves the readers gripping the edge of their seats because everything appears to be real. With an effervescent description of the setting, Maya Angelou allows us to slip into the persona of a slave and experience the abuse that they have underwent for hundreds of years. Maya Angelou creates a realistic sense of imagery by utilizing thorough descriptions of the setting, however imagery is also apparent when viewed through the text of Maya Angelouamp;#8217;s descriptive language. This imagery is first displayed when the narrator says, amp;#8220;She gathered her babies, / their tears slick as oil on black faces; (amp;#8220;Our Grandmothers;, 8-9). The descriptive language allows the reader toShow MoreRelatedRacism in Maya Angelous I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Essay1643 Words   |  7 PagesRacism in Maya Angelous I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou, the current poet laureate of the United States, has become for many people an exemplary role model. She read an original poem at the inauguration of President Clinton; she has also appeared on the television show Touched by an Angel, and there read another poem of her own composition; she lectures widely, inspiring young people to aim high in life. Yet this is an unlikely beginning for a woman who, by the age of thirtyRead More Racism in Song of Solomon, Push and Life of Olaudah Equiano Essay2546 Words   |  11 PagesFall 2001). I believe it not only creates a more oppressive group of people, but a group that believes they are morally superior. This moral superiority is evident in the writings and the personal lives of Olaudah Equiano, Toni Morrison, Sapphire and Maya Angelou. These writers display a common point of view held among many African-Americans in their views of Africa versus America, morality among Whites versus morality among Blacks, and racial inferiority versus racial superiority.    African-AmericansRead MoreOprah Winfrey is a Hero672 Words   |  3 Pagescourage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Heroes are especially popular in Greek myths and legends. Most showed generous behavior, even if it was not obvious until the lesson was learned. Oprah Winfrey is one of the most generous people of our time. I believe Oprah Winfrey is a hero because she uses her past experiences to inform, support, and help others, uses her money, fame, and time to help people, and shows incredible emotional and spiritual strength. Oprah Gail Winfrey grew up in aRead MoreMy Life - Original Writing Essay1586 Words   |  7 Pagesrising up from the ground. Bombings in Managua took place almost immediately. I had a flashback moment; Grandpa Luna once shared his family stories. The one that really stick out the most was about his grandfather who emigrated from Italy. His grandmother also emigrated from Germany. They came to America in the 1840s. His grandfather Angelo F. Cagliero was a nineteen-year-old, who, like me, also survived a war. The difference was that he fought to defend his country from the French. Cagliero eventuallyRead MoreOral History Paper : Mary Patricia Wright1774 Words   |  8 Pageslived. Patricia, known as Nana was born in New Orleans, Louisiana with her mother and three siblings. Down in the South they were big on family, and always supported each other. Though she lived with her mother, she would spin most times with her grandmother, Gran, in Zachary. With her being the oldest, and Zachary being a town for mostly old folks, she learned how to keep to fend for herself, and her siblings. New Orleans was faster than Zachary, because it was by Southern University, so the communityRead MoreOprah Winfrey – the Story of an Entrepreneur4292 Words   |  18 PagesVernita Lee on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko (Mississippi, US). Named Orpah Gail Winfrey, she became Oprah after Orpah was misspelt in her school records. Her parents separated when she was very young. Following this, she was sent to live with her grandmother, Hattie Mae Lee (Hattie), on a small farm. Hattie laid the foundation of Oprah’s career when she taught her to read the Bible. At the age of three, Oprah spent hours reading Bible stories to the animals on the farm. Hattie also taught her many lessons