Phenomenal Woman

Question 1

The poem encourages readers to be….

Answer 1

unafraid of revealing their personalities with the world

Question 2

How does Angelou empower readers?

Answer 2

Through a celebratory tonal register

Question 3

What does the poem address?

Answer 3

The societal norms of womanhood beauty

Question 4

Key terms in the poem:

Answer 4

• Self confidence
• Pride
• Inner beauty
• Self acceptance
• Personal strength, resilience

Question 5

Big ideas (3 but you can think of more - depends on the question in the exam) :

Answer 5

• The speaker demonstrates her superiority and dominance over men
• A charismatic nature and an attractive personality, conquer your surroundings
• Speaker doesn´t fit into social conventions of “beauty”

Question 6

“The span of my hips, / The stride of my step, / The curl of my lips”

Answer 6

Vivid imagery of the speaker´s movements -> This adds momentum and energy to the poem. Further establishing the speaker´s confidence in taking control of her surroundings, despite the disapproval of other women which is indicated in the line, “Pretty women wonder where my secret lies”

Question 7

Anaphora of “The” alongside the rhyme scheme and equal length of the lines, create a…

Answer 7

musical, rhythmic quality to the poem.

Question 8

“Span”, “Stride”, “Step”, “Hips”, “Lips”

Answer 8

The sibilance emphasises the sensual atmosphere (that arises from the speaker´s presence in the room)

Question 9

“Span”, “Stride”, “Curl” : Lexical field of….

Answer 9

confidence in domineering her surroundings

Question 10

“Curl”

Answer 10

The lexical field portrays the speaker´s playful persona and how she uses her charm to benefit her

Question 11

“Hips”, “Step”, “Lips”

Answer 11

The nouns draw attention to the physical aspects of the speaker

Question 12

In the nouns: hips, step, lips…the reader can grasp a main feature of Angelou´s writing. What is it, and in which poems does she explore this theme?

Answer 12

A main feature of Angelou´s poetry is self confidence, which is also seen in the poem, “Still I rise”

Question 13

“Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.” links to…

Answer 13

“The span……”

Question 14

“Pretty” is an adjective that…

Answer 14

excludes the speaker from societal norms of conventional womanhood beauty. In terms of splendour, the speaker considers herself to be of a higher ranking as she categorises herself as “Phenomenal”.

Question 15

“Phenomenal”

(+ furthermore)

Answer 15

Associates the speaker´s presence as having a supernatural force of energy, making her more desirable to men, and more transcendent in comparison to other females.

Furthermore, the adjective does not funnel into one specific attribute, but rather encompasses all the speaker´s aspects as being “Phenomenal”

Question 16

“wonder” + the sibilance in “secret lies”

Answer 16

The verb, alongside the sibilance, represents the other women poorly talking about the speaker behind her back in hushed whispers.

Question 17

D.I. of “wonder where my secret lies”

Answer 17

The speaker has already accepted that she may not fit into societal standards due to her physical attributions, but she shows no signs of insecurities of self-doubt. Instead, she proudly embraces her identity, as seen in the end stop, producing a declarative tone.

Question 18

“secret lies”

Answer 18

Abstract noun: secret
Verb: lies

The phrase connotes a sensual atmosphere / sexual tension arising from the speaker.

Question 19

Universal message (2)….

Answer 19

1. Societal standards that dictate what is deemed “attractive” or not, do not diminish the natural brilliance or unique qualities of individuals.
2. CELEBRATING UNCONVENNTIONAL BEAUTY

Question 20

“Fall down on their knees”

Answer 20

Imagery illustrating the powerful and domineering character the speaker possesses.

Question 21

“Fall”

(+ alternative)

Answer 21

In isolation, the imperative verb may symbolise the speaker´s control over the men as she commands them to “fall down on their knees”.

ALTERNATIVELY

The imagery may mirror the lack of control the men have over their bodies in her presence; Their strength disappears as they hopelessly collapse to the ground in admiration of the speaker.

Question 22

Deeper implication of the line “Fall down on their knees”…

Answer 22

When women display their self confidence and pride, they are viewed as more powerful and superior than men. This may portray them as a threat as they challenge the traditional patriarchy.

Question 23

Context that follows the D.I of “Fall down on their knees”

Answer 23

1978 -> Male dominating society.

Question 24

“Knees”

(+ alternative)

Answer 24

The noun holds biblical allusions which places the speaker in a higher ranking compared to the men. The man may appear to be worshipping her, portraying the speaker as a highly influential, respected, divine entity.

OR

The woman may appear menacing from the perspective of the man, as she is in control of her surroundings.

Question 25

“Swarm around [her]” like “honey bees”

(+ context)

Answer 25

The metaphor emphasises their attraction towards her, similar to how bees feel towards their queen bee. This portrays the speaker as assertive and a dominant figure that is in need of protection.

CONTEXTUALLY:

Stereotypes and the patriarchal society -> men´s role in guarding and keeping a woman safe.

Question 25

Following the alternative interpretation in “Knees”, the diphthong in “knees” may also symbolise the male´s…

Answer 25

Unease and discomfort. Perhaps it may be because the men are unprepared to have acquaintance with someone that “phenomenal”.

Question 26

“Swarm”

Answer 26

The verb, upholding animalistic characteristics, conveys a sense of irritation

Question 27

“honey bees” are generally harmless. However, at any given moment they may sting you. This symbolises….

Answer 27

The potential threat and danger men can carry

Question 28

“But they can´t touch / my inner mystery”

Answer 28

Metaphor: Men attempting to make advances towards her. (very sensual)

Question 29

“But they can´t touch”

Answer 29

Readers are led to believe that the woman is an enigma to men - the men don´t seem to understand why she is untouchable.

Question 30

“My inner mystery”

Answer 30

Reference to her private parts or perhaps, more metaphorically, her heart. This suggests that she won´t be won over so easily.

Question 31

“…my head´s not bowed”

Answer 31

The imagery conveys that the speaker is unashamed of her physique and will hold her head up high with dignity. This may be as to why she is able to grasp the attention of her surroundings with very little effort.

Question 32

“That´s me”

(+ mini alternative reading)

Answer 32

This is the final line of every stanza, and may portray the speaker´s gratitude for her identity. Or, this mantra may serve as self reassurance, boosting her confidence.

The declarative tonal register, produced by the end stop, symbolises the speaker´s power, as no one is able to deprive her from her charm. It also shows her unflinching confidence and firmness.

Question 33

D.I of “That´s me”

Answer 33

The speaker refuses to mould herself into societal standards of beauty.

Question 34

Refrain at the end of every stanza =

Answer 34

Adds energy and power to the poem.

Courage and freedom to express identity.

Feels like the structure of a song (chorus) -> CONTEXT: Angelou as an artist.

Serves as a mantra throughout the poem. The informal and conversational tone produces a playful, light-hearted atmosphere, highlighting the speaker´s charisma.

(Speaker is highly appealing)

Question 35

“I´m a woman”

(+ context)

Answer 35

The short sentence creates an emphatic message. Angelou gives voice to women. Encourages them to be proud of who they are and celebrate it. (Inclusivity)

Context: Angelou has thrived as an African American female

Question 36

Rhythmic sections and enjambment display…

Answer 36

the speaker´s grace and eloquence.