Jamie joined the Poem Analysis team back in November, 2010. How to use phenomenal in a sentence. Get an answer for 'Please explain all the stanzas of "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou.' Subscribe to our mailing list and get new poetry analysis updates straight to your inbox. Translation Rationale: Maya Angelou’s poem, “Phenomenal Woman,” is about a woman who fights against society’s stereotypical and formulaic idea of what the quintessential woman should look and act like by being unapologetically herself. Life's a bitch. While women can change the way they look, Angelou insinuates that they will never be able to replicate what she naturally possesses inside herself. Thus phenomenal woman means an extraordinary or stunning woman. Phenomenal Woman By Maya Angelou About this Poet An acclaimed American poet, storyteller, activist, and autobiographer, Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri. phenomenal definition: 1. extremely successful or special, especially in a surprising way: 2. extremely successful or…. The majority of her work deals with both the racism and sexism she experienced as an African American woman. The bees have an innate, uncontrollable desire to be near the honey; likewise, the men cannot help but flock towards Angelou. tejeso 5825 (11/16/2020 1:17:00 AM) I make up to $90 an hour on-line from my home. Her essence, her well being, goes far deeper. I have faced constant discrimination as a woman, particularly as an African American woman. The underlying beat in some lines is iambic, the well known da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM beat, the most common in English poetry. She was also fighting for the women, she wanted women to have the same rights as men. Her answer to them is that she’s a woman. For example: And others have trochaic followed by iambic: Still others are iambic preceding anapaestic: This variable rhythm, together with contrasting short and long vowels, make this a particularly interesting poem to read out loud and to listen to. By getting the official “Phenomenal Woman” t-shirt, you're not only making a bold statement in support of women everywhere, you're also supporting the critical work that's being done for women's rights on … phenomenal - of or relating to a phenomenon; "phenomenal science" 2. phenomenal - exceedingly or unbelievably great; "the bomb did fantastic damage"; "Samson is supposed to have had fantastic strength"; "phenomenaRl feats of memory" He has a passion for poetry and enjoys analysing and providing interpretations for poetry from the past and present. ... "Dr." Maya Angelou was a phenomenal woman… Phenomenal Woman is a lyrical poem that sends out an important message to the world of convention and stereotype: empowerment comes from being confident in your own female skin, no matter if you are not seen as cute or fashionable by the masses. Phenomenal woman, That's me A poem that contains the strength and fire in a woman. Techniques this poem uses. This poem shows that beauty is compare by what society thinks a woman should looked like, walk and talk etc. The poem starts with women wondering about why this woman in the poem is so phenomenal. In her poem „Phenomenal woman” Angelou speaks as a self-confident woman, she wants to show the world what makes her beautiful and she expresses it in a various way. Once this is accepted, you will be a happier and more complete person, a phenomenon. 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. Her constant use of the word ‘phenomenal’ is twofold. The final four lines also drive home the idea that this woman is special, unbelievable and her presence cannot be denied. work deals with both the racism and sexism she experienced as an African American woman, These Yet To Be United States by Maya Angelou. The word Phenomenal means remarkable or exceptional, especially exceptionally good. Philosophy philosophy known or perceived by the senses rather than the mind. In the first stanza, Angelou bluntly tells her reader that other women wonder what she has that they are missing, even though she lacks the traits that society most often judges to be beautiful; she intuits that the other women are jealous of Angelou. Phenomenal Woman By Maya Angelou About this Poet An acclaimed American poet, storyteller, activist, and autobiographer, Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri. In the second stanza, the tone of the speaker shifts from simply confident to both confident and seductive. I say, It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, The palm of my hand, The need for my care. I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care. She is phenomenal for what she does with her imperfections; she is phenomenal because she is true to … There are no conventional rhymes, just … Already the speaker has a secret and although she can't reveal all, she can tell the pretty ones about her own physical attributes. It's the fire, flash, swing and joy - the passionate heat as she looks at them, the gleaming white set behind the smile, the sensuality and sexuality, the enthusiasm of the dance. How to burn belly fat woman forskolin meaning forskolin xpro supplement forskolin review forskolin scientific review when starting any weight reduction program keep your goals realistic. 'The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.'. At the end of the work, she describes the confidence and pride she has in herself, which radiates from her. If you read it carefully, the rhymes definitely make a difference to the overall sound and feel of the poem, especially in the first six or seven lines of each stanza. For instance, the use of imagery in the poem can be seen especially in describing what the speaker believes is a phenomenal woman. 'max': 36, quite beautiful and extraordinary woman. Vote Sale New Products Phenomenal Woman MVP Voter Ambitious Justice for … This chorus acts a repetition of her thesis for the poem: that her power, beauty and grace come from her inherent femininity, rather … It is through advertising that we are able to contribute to charity. It's interesting to note that the people this phenomenal woman wants to address initially are pretty women. The poem becomes an anthem for the personal 'me'. Written By Maya Angelou. She is saying, “Unbelievably, I’m a woman. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously. Expand submenu Shop Collapse submenu Shop. Maya Angelou published this poem in 1978 when it appeared in And Still I Rise, a collection of powerful poems that set many an oppressed woman free. Now she spoke with some acerbity in her voice which could at will be wondrous soft and low. 'A wise woman wishes to be no one's enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone's victim.'. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. Phenomenal woman,That's me. Used to describe someone who is neither extraordinarynor unusual; but to do the complete opposite. Structurally, Angelou breaks her poem into four major stanzas, with two smaller, yet still significant stanzas in between. 'I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Angelou explains that she does not need to draw attention to herself; the attention is naturally given to her because she is a woman. In this volume one particular poem was most interesting, Phenomenal Woman. Phenomenal woman, That's me. “Phenomenal Woman” is a lyrical poem about a woman who knows she isn’t pretty or cute but still knows why people pay attention to her when she walks into a room. It's the click, bend, palm and need - the way she is full of energy and verve, the way she lets her hair fall naturally, her open and honest approach to life, the way her compassionate nature is a necessary thing. Next up are the men who are instinctively drawn to the phenomenal woman, some even start to worship her, or else cannot sustain a standing position so overcome are they. Angelou relies heavily on repetition throughout her poem, ending the majority of her stanzas with “That’s me.”  In addition, the phrase “phenomenal woman” is repeated throughout the course of the poem, once again emphasizing Angelou’s unconventional beauty and appeal to the opposite sex. She can hold her head high because of what she is: proud of being an individual without the need to kowtow to society and its false stereotypes, its idea of what a beautiful female should like and aspire to be. She writes, “They think I’m telling lies.”  She continues on, telling the reader her appeal lies in her arms, hips, and lips. Synonym Discussion of phenomenal. The pretty ones can't quite believe what they hear but make no mistake, this is the speaker's one and only truth. In Phenomenal Woman, Angelou celebrates her body and the uniqueness that separates her from other women. of what makes an ideal woman; however, Maya Angelou shows us what truly makes a true Woman in her poem, “Phenomenal Woman.” The word, “Phenomenal” is defined as something that is magnificent, remarkable, breathtaking, as well as extraordinary. Finally, she restates the fact the she is a ‘phenomenal woman.’ Throughout the poem, we find the spirit of womanhood is highlighted. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. No. The login page will open in a new tab. I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. I’m a woman Phenomenally. It's to do with the reach, span, stride and curl - what is within her grasp, the full extent of her womanhood, the decisive way she gets about, the allure of her smile. The first-person speaker of the poem (click here to read the poem), presumably Angelou, is describing the allure she has as a woman. One most often defines the word as meaning extraordinary and impressive, and Angelou is certainly reveling in being an extraordinary and impressive woman; however, the word phenomenal is also synonymous with unbelievable. By consciously choosing to call herself phenomenal, Angelou seems almost incredulous that she is lucky enough to be a woman. It is used to mocksomeone, to make someone who has no special talents or traits, think they are … Phenomenal Woman is a direct and passionate poem no doubt, you can feel the speaker's need to lay things out just as they are, yet it also contains the seed of self-knowing, of self-confidence. The poet, who has not fair skin and the elements of beauty rejects the traditional concept of beauty. This idea continues into the third stanza, where Angelou discusses the fact that even men cannot pinpoint what it is about her that is so irresistible. Please log in again. There's a sort of spell cast over these males who act as honey bees around the hive. Phenomenal Woman (Maya Angelou poem) Questions and Answers. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Her first memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was the first U.S. bestseller ever written by an African American woman, and it catapulted Angelou into instant fame in the literary world. I have faced constant discrimination as a woman, particularly as an African American woman. ’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. Ads are what helps us bring you premium content! "Phenomenal Woman" is a poem by Maya Angelou, first published in 1978. The gender is mentioned but a specific woman is not referred to – she thinks all women are the same. And immediately following this is the repeated mantra-like four line list of physical traits that go to make up the total woman. The Meaning of Phenomenal: Phenomenal Woman. Updated 5:33 PM ET, Wed May 28, 2014 . "Phenomenal" also means, in the most basic sense, something that is visible or perceptible; so the speaker's amazingness is also something that people can't help but see, no matter how unbelievable or surprising it may seem. Woman inner beauty makes a women whole and beautiful. Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” asserts the theme that ‘Beauty is more than skin deep.’ She refutes the theory that beautiful women should have well proportioned physique and vital statistics. See more. Please support this website by adding us to your whitelist in your ad blocker. This comparison also highlights the primitive side to human sexuality. Her entire body is an expression of womanliness. "Woman Work" Track Info. I’m a woman Phenomenally. The poem appeared in Angelou’s third volume of poetry, And Still I Rise, which was first published in 1978. Could it be the men are looking for something that cannot be identified with the senses? The Meaning of Phenomenal: Phenomenal Woman I discovered that Maya Angelou mostly writes from experience, and this poem falls perfectly in that category. 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. The Question and Answer section for Phenomenal Woman (Maya Angelou poem) is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel. That’s who I am.”. Could this be the phenomenal woman's spirit, her essence, her inner being? In essence, this is Angelou’s anthem about her pride in being a woman. Modern society highly values women's beauty. Throughout each stanza, Angelou exposes the attributes she possesses that deem her irresistible to others, particularly to those of the opposite sex, despite the fact that she does not fit into society’s definition of what makes a woman beautiful. Subscribe to our mailing list to get the latest and greatest poetry updates. Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. Society creates expected roles for women. Phenomenal definition is - relating to or being a phenomenon: such as. In the last lines of the poem, Angelou speaks directly to her reader, after explaining her appeal to her audience. Phenomenal woman That's me I walk into a room Just as cool as you please And to a man The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees Then they swarm around me A hive of honey bees I say And it does convey the idea that no matter the pressures of society to conform and be who others want you to be, inner self-belief is the phenomenal bit. ’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. name: "unifiedId", syncDelay: 3000 A phenomenal woman has imperfections. Analysis Of The Poem ' Phenomenal Woman ' By Maya Angelou 851 Words | 4 Pages. The word ‘phenomenal’ signifies her talismanic physical structure as well as her towering personality. Remarkable so what is our definition and who are what we call phenomenal women. There is chemistry at work here and the reason why the men are all a buzz? Phenomenal Woman: About the Poem A free verse written by the African-American poet, autobiographer, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, ‘ Phenomenal Woman’ speaks of a self-confident woman challenging the typical concept of beauty and womanhood. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. Phenomenal woman meaning. She concludes the first stanza by declaring herself as a ‘phenomenal woman’. Or is it? Perhaps the most striking device Angelou uses is to repeat a pattern, found in each stanza, which helps reinforce the message and brings familiarity for the reader, much like with the lyrics of a song. By consciously choosing to call herself phenomenal, Angelou seems almost incredulous that she is lucky enough to be a woman. ‘The effort by teachers, parents, pupils and the general public was phenomenal.’ ‘He is leaving established international acts in the shade and is chalking up phenomenal album sales.’ ‘It was a phenomenal success and played to capacity crowds at many venues.’ ‘The crowds have flocked back, the feel-good factor has been phenomenal.’ Wow, I’ve read this poem before but never really understood what it means. They can ogle all they want, but this female's secret is hidden inside, it ain't visible on the exterior. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. There is a varied meter (metre in UK) in this poem, a mix of trochee and iamb with anapaest. While there is some evidence of rhyme, she mostly uses an unconventional rhyme scheme. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. Maya Angelou: The definition of a phenomenal woman. Let’s start with the form of the poem. What's your thoughts? When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. Since then, the poem has been adapted and used by associations and groups world-wide involved in protest and political issues around inequality. Every single person that visits PoemAnalysis.com has helped contribute, so thank you for your support. Search for a Product Shop. I’m a womanPhenomenally. The reason why is soon revealed - the speaker is plain looking herself, she's not cute or slender or fashionable in shape, but inside she knows she has those pretty women asking questions that are difficult to answer. Andrew has a keen interest in all aspects of poetry and writes extensively on the subject. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. The way she walks, the way she smiles, and the curves of her body make people of all genders stare at her when she walks through a room. Now when I preform this poem the way I deliver it will be totally changed thanks to this article. Phenomenal woman, That's me." You've got to go out and kick ass.'. There are four stanzas. In a direct appeal to the reader, the speaker lays it on the line and attempts to clarify all that has gone on in the previous three stanzas. This is why each stanza … It goes through how pretty women don’t believe her reasons and why even men deny it, but she knows the truth: she is sexy. His poems are published online and in print. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. When I try to show them, They say they still can’t see. The core concept of this poem is the value of inner beauty, charisma and personality as tools of beauty compared to physical beauty. Phenomenal Woman is a loose rhyming lyrical poem, which strictly speaking means this is not a free verse poem. Phenomenal Woman By Maya Angelou this poem is a Classic that deals with every women in the world. They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. Phenomenal Woman. She is enigmatic, magnetic and is also capable of defining her own beauty. One most often defines the word as meaning extraordinary and impressive, and Angelou is certainly reveling in being an extraordinary and impressive woman; however, the word phenomenal is also synonymous with unbelievable. The phenomenal woman's humility and respect for other's space, her dignity and inner strength mean she doesn't have to advertise her qualities or be brash and popular. For example, just note the full end rhymes: In addition, each stanza has the perfect rhyme of woman/woman and the full rhyme Phenomenally/That's me. This phrase is a double-edged sword. And at the end of each. While Angelou does not utilize much figurative language in the poem, she effectively uses a metaphor when comparing the men swooning around her to bees around a hive of honey. Instead, she provides a number of arguments to prove that she is a Phenomenal Woman without such elements. In her second stanza, Angelou moves away from discussing women and begins to discuss the spell she seems to have over the men she encounters. A phenomenal woman has imperfections. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. Report Reply. Phenomenal definition, highly extraordinary or prodigious; exceptional: phenomenal speed. By Donna Brazile. The first stanza includes the physical traits that make her stand out, from her hips to her smile. Learn more. So the woman is seen as a sort of Queen bee, or she is the sweetness the bees need, the males busy seeking her attention. Thank you! Man had always wondered what they see in a women. Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed. Ilana Anderson English 113 MWF 8:30AM Dr. Osborne Paper 2 May 8, 2013 The Meaning of Phenomenal: Phenomenal Woman I discovered that Maya Angelou mostly writes from experience, and this poem falls perfectly in that category. 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. The poem rejects narrow societal expectations of women and proposes an alternative perspective on what defines real beauty. The poem is like a ballad, it is a free verse narrative. Adj. It … Traditionally a woman is considered phenomenal only when she has fair skin and attractive figure. Phenomenal woman thats me. 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally. and find homework help for other Maya Angelou questions at eNotes Phenomenal woman, That’s me. Concentrating on the male of the species again, the speaker perceives that even they can't put their finger on just why they're so attracted by this phenomenal woman. Despite not being what society thinks she should be - ideally beautiful - the phenomenal woman can attract the opposite sex to her simply by entering a room. In short, this poem boasts that a woman is more than the sum of her parts, much more. Angelou breaks her poem into five stanzas. She begins her poem with a couplet in the first two lines: “Pretty woman wonder where my secret lies/I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size.” While her use of rhyme is sporadic, Angelou does, however, repeatedly end her lines with words that end in “s.” This adds to the sultry, sensual tone of the poem, particularly when it is read aloud. “I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size,” she writes. Phenomenal Woman is a lyrical poem that sends out an important message to the world of convention and stereotype: empowerment comes from being confident in your own female skin, no matter if you are not seen as cute or fashionable by the masses. Here is an analysis of Maya Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman, which defies the stereotypes women are often faced with today. Her last line, set apart in its own stanza, simply says, “That’s me.”  Because she is a woman—a phenomenal woman—she has the confidence and pride to walk with her head held high. Just as bees are naturally drawn to that sweet substance, men are just as enchanted with Angelou, even though she defies all conventional beauty standards. Her attractiveness goes beyond the physical: it is something innate inside her that makes her so irresistible to men. Angelou, who died at the age of 86 in 2014, is one of the most celebrated poets and memoirists in American literature. Maya Angelou published this poem in 1978 when it appeared in And Still I Rise, a collection of powerful poems that set many an … I’m an extraordinary, amazing woman. Such approach creates a deeper meaning to the piece and enables readers to connect with numerous messages. Join the conversation by. In the second stanza, the men who fall on their knees then swarm in the manner of honey bees at the hive. Please continue to help us support the fight against dementia. It's in the arch, sun, ride and grace - the way the spine is strong yet beautifully shaped, the power of a smile, life-affirming, the way her bosom is carried, comfortably, the smooth ease with which she manages life. As the poem continues, Angelou extols the inner mystery that makes her so attractive to the men around her. To prove that she is lucky enough to be a happier and more complete person, phenomenon... Enough to be a woman thinks a woman should looked like, walk and talk etc beauty... Will open in a woman is considered phenomenal only when she has fair skin and the reason the. Her attractiveness goes beyond the physical: it is a phenomenal woman wants to address initially are pretty.! 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