Prose offers readers a method of expression, some seek to inform, some to attack injustice, some to offer praise and some to be foolish. The poem, “Still I Rise” of Maya Angelou is in piercing contrast to the poem “Guidelines” by Lisa Suhair Majaj; however, they are parallel in numerous facets. They present these two works to express their experiences in their life with vile episodes that no citizen should endure. Assessing separately each poem for its connotation and the distinct elements that create an exclusive vision into the poet’s passion. As woman and minorities there are common elements that bond their verse, yet there are variances in what way they convey their message. Youth who perseveres their racial distinction in society and witness the barbarity of wicked individuals, pursues other means to counsel and divulge how to transcend their contempt through poetry.
Angelou experienced unspeakable horrors in her childhood born in 1928 and living in Arkansas, racism and segregation is prevalent during her childhood. At the tender age of seven she experienced rape and the murder of the man that violated her by family members. The horror left her unable to speak and failure to communicate with other people for years. Writing about her life experiences catapulted …show more content…
Much of the poem flows simply off the tongue when spoken. Unlike Angelou style, Majaj’s words do not have rhythm and is choppy to read making it difficult to yet telling a story of racial bias through confrontation as in her line, “If they wave newspapers in your face and shout, stay calm. Remember everything they learned. Offer to take them to the library” (Majaj 2009). Whereas the poems are of overcoming bias, one recommends rising above the injustice the other confront it verbally with the
Angelou experienced unspeakable horrors in her childhood born in 1928 and living in Arkansas, racism and segregation is prevalent during her childhood. At the tender age of seven she experienced rape and the murder of the man that violated her by family members. The horror left her unable to speak and failure to communicate with other people for years. Writing about her life experiences catapulted …show more content…
Much of the poem flows simply off the tongue when spoken. Unlike Angelou style, Majaj’s words do not have rhythm and is choppy to read making it difficult to yet telling a story of racial bias through confrontation as in her line, “If they wave newspapers in your face and shout, stay calm. Remember everything they learned. Offer to take them to the library” (Majaj 2009). Whereas the poems are of overcoming bias, one recommends rising above the injustice the other confront it verbally with the