Activity 6. A. Poem Reading : Read the poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou. Using the grid below, analyze the poem using the common aspects of Feminism, Formalism, Marxism, and Reader- response.
Phenomenal Woman
by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
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.
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.
I’m a woman Phenomenally.
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,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
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.
I’m a woman Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
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.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
paki sagot tenchuu.. god bless(◍•ᴗ•◍)❤
Phenomenal Woman
by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
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.
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.
I’m a woman Phenomenally.
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,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
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.
I’m a woman Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
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.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
paki sagot tenchuu.. god bless(◍•ᴗ•◍)❤
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ANSWER:
[FEMINISM]
The poem Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou contains the element of feminism as it presents the ability of a woman to be extraordinary and remarkable among others. It talks about a woman who is so proud to be woman, who is confidence and has faith in herself. She also believes in her inner strength that makes her able to achieve success in her life as man could be.
[FORMALISM]
This critical investigation argues that the poem by Maya Angelou entitled, “Phenomenal Woman” is in formalism or can be scrutinized using formalistic approach due to the utilization of some poetic devices. ... In formalism, the text is the chief fountainhead of the investigation.
[MARXIST CRITICISM]
I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud.
[READER-RESPONSE]
on "Phenomenal Woman"
To look at woman in this day and age, we try to base ourselves off of the size two or below that we see on television walking down the runway. But what they don’t advertise is that it’s even more beautiful to be a size 10 or above.
•VENN DIAGRAM•
[SIMILARITIES]
The phrases “phenomenal woman” and “that's me” has become refrain because of the repetition of the same words in each stanza of the poem.
[DIFFERENCE]
Angelou's 'Phenomenal Woman' taps on the themes of womanhood, identity, pride, self-love, and self-acceptance. The main theme, being womanhood, is celebrated throughout the poem. The line, “I'm a woman” propagates her self-confidence in being a woman. She not only celebrates her bodily beauty but also her inner glow.
[COMMON]
'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.