What is the theme of Maya Angelou's 'Still I Rise'?

"Still I Rise" is a poem by Maya Angelou that speaks to her ancestor's origins as slaves and her personal resilience in the face of opposition. "I rise" and variations of it are repeated throughout the poem to show that nothing can stand in her way. read more

No matter what happens or what is thrown at Maya Angelou, she will always rise. The theme of "Still I Rise" is really about self respect, and confidence. In the poem, she reveals how she will overcome anything with her self-esteem. read more

Strength in the face of tremendous hardship is one of the most important (and most universal) themes of Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise." This poem speaks to opression and suffering that black communities--and black women in particular--have experienced. read more