Good Morning English 12! Poetry Critical Analysis Please take out your binders.

Ain’t I a Woman? By Sojourner Truth A found poem from Sojourner Truth's most famous speech, adapted into poetic form by Erlene Stetson. I have born 13 children      and seen most all sold into slavery and when I cried out a mother's grief      none but Jesus heard me. . . and ain't I a woman?      That little man in black there say a woman can't have as much rights as a man      cause Christ wasn't a woman Where did your Christ come from?      From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with him!      If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world      upside down, all alone together women ought to be able to turn it      right side up again. That man over there say      a woman needs to be helped into carriages and lifted over ditches      and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helped me into carriages     or over mud puddles     or gives me a best place. . . And ain't I a woman?       Look at me Look at my arm!      I have plowed and planted and gathered into barns      and no man could head me. . . And ain't I a woman?    I could work as much and eat as much as a man--    when I could get to it-- and bear the lash as well    and ain't I a woman?

Analysis – Feminist Lens Description: This poem talks about a woman who is being told that women can’t have the same rights as men because they are fragile. She goes on to say that she is just as strong and able as a man, and is not treated the way the men say women should be treated, and goes on to ask where they think man came from. Then she gives the answer – women. Analysis: This poem points out that there are stereotypes when it comes to women. Women are portrayed as weak, and dependent on men. The men do not want women to have the right to vote, the men have all the power at this time in history. The speaker – Sojourner Truth – has roles in society that are typically considered “male” jobs. The patriarchy of this society is obvious through the references to gender stereotypes. Conclusion: In society at that time, white men were the dominant group. Women were subordinate to the men, and women of color were not even referenced in the conversations around the right to vote. Sojourner Truth stood up and challenged the stereotypes, and ultimately showed how women were strong and powerful, and how men would not exist without them.

Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou 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 of my care, 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. 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.

Juicy by Notorious B.I.G. It was all a dream I used to read Word Up magazine Salt ‘n Peppa and Heavy D up in the limousine Hangin’ pictures on my wall Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl… How honies play me close like butter played toast From the Mississippi down to the east coast… Sold out seats to hear Biggie Smalls speak Livin life without fear Puttin’ 5 karats in my baby girl’s ears Lunches, brunches, interview by the pool Considered a fool ‘cause I dropped out of high school Stereotypes of a black male misunderstood… We used to fuss when the landlord dissed us No heat, wonder why Christmas missed us Birthdays was the worst days Now we sip champagne when we thirsty Uh, damn right I like the life I live Cause I went from negative to positive And it’s all good…