One more round Flashcards
Resilience
Alludes to the…
historical context of racial discrimination, oppression and slavery
It is a metaphor for…
fighting adversities and overcoming hardships
5 Big themes (ideas)
- Identity, self acceptance
- Pride, freedom
- Satisfaction
- Entrapment, slavery
- Hard work and basic survival
“ain´t”
The vernacular, sociolinguistic term makes the poem feel more relatable to readers. It also gives voice to African Americans daily speech, contextually linking with Angelou´s biography as a black female.
“I was born to work up to my grave / But I was not born / to be a slave.”
The speaker recognises that she must work hard in her daily routines, but is unwilling to work for someone else. The speaker desires to maintain her agency and freedom.
“I was”
The aggressive, and frustrated tone produced by the verb, “was”, highlights the speaker´s refusal in “be[ing] a slave” and working for someone else.
“…work up to my grave”
Implies that through the course of the speaker´s life, she will have to accept and surrender to the colossal amounts of energy required, and the never-ending cycle of labour
“But I was not born / to be a slave.”
Emphatic. Upholds dignity and through an assertive tone, the speaker is able to preserve his morals and beliefs. RESILIENCE and DEFIANCE
“Papa drove steel and Momma stood guard”
Imagery -> References generational slavery of African Americans and how they worked hard to obtain a good life.
“Papa”, “Momma”, “Brothers”, “Sisters”
The entire family is stoical and resilient. They are all involved in the daily routines. Perhaps suggesting that African Americans will be forever trapped in societal´ s systematic oppression - cycle of exploitation.
“Momma stood guard”
May allude to the patriarchal society and how women were only there to supervise and help if necessary, as they were unqualified / unable to take on demanding jobs.
“…work up to their graves”
Poignant exploration of the meaning of life, if one is to spend it all upon perpetual labour.
Encapsulates the lack of autonomy and agency many African Americans had - they were exposed to inhumane treatment and were perceived as being disposable commodities.
“One more round”
(structurally,)
This refrain has a mantra feel to the poem which may give insight to how they were able to maintain their strength to keep going.
As it interlaces throughout the poem, one may interpret it as imitating the cyclical nature of the family´s work.
It also has a musical quality which might have been done in order to make the poem´s message more easily remembered.
“One more round” may also allude to…
drinking. If so, Angelou may be implying how the black community were able to cope with the struggle and pain.
“And let´s heave it down”
(ALSO ALLUDES TO DRINKING)
May be a metaphor for encouragement in completing the work required.
