The Creator/ Maya Angelou
What is the poets name of "Phenomenal Women"?
Maya Angelou
What is the theme of the poem "Phenomenal Woman"
To let the audience know to be proud of who you are, having self-confidence, and expressing your inner beauty.
Where does the speakers beauty lie?
The beauty lies in her confidence, attitude, and the way she carries herself.
Why do people write and study poems?
Poems can teach us universal lessons, and allows the writer to express their thoughts.
In what year was Maya Angelou born?
1928
What is the title of the poem being taught?
"Phenomenal Woman"
Why are men so attracted to the speaker?
Men are attracted to the speaker because of her self-confidence, inner beauty, and the way she carries herself, as highlighted by her smile, eyes, and walk.
How can you make poetry make sense to you?
Poetry can be hard to understand but if you emotionally connect to the poem, for example from personal experience then you will have a much greater connection and understanding.
What was the title of Maya Angelou's autobiographical book about her childhood?
"I know Why the Caged Birds Sings"
What literary device is used in the line "Its the fire in my eyes" and what is it's meaning
Hyperbole; Shows the passion she has for herself and being a woman.
What is the effect of the repetition of the phrase "That's me" in the last stanza?
The effect of the repetition of the phrase "That's me" in the last stanza is to reinforce the speaker's self-confidence and identity as a phenomenal woman. The repetition serves to emphasize her message that every woman should feel proud of herself and take pride in her inner beauty.
Explain the difference between a sonnet and a haiku poem.
A sonnet is a 14 line poem typically written in iambic pentameter, while a haiku consists of 17 syllables in total, usually divided into three lines of 5, 7, 5 syllables
What is the name of Maya Angelou's mentor and friend who encouraged her to write her autobiography?
James Baldwin
What is a different perspective the poet is trying to give?
Beauty is inside of you. It's how you carry yourself. Do you have confidence? Do you love yourself? Are you proud of who you are?
What tools does speaker use to emphasize her inner beauty?
Repetition ("I'm a woman / Phenomenally" and "Phenomenal woman,")
Personification “And the joy in my feet”
Imagery “The curl of my lips”, “The swing of my waist" & “The stride of my steps”
Why might a poet use imagery in their poems?
To give details which can help the audience create a vivid picture in their head.
In addition to being a poet, what other occupations did Maya Angelou have throughout her life?
An author, memoirist, singer, actress, and civil rights activist.
In what way does the repetition of "Phenomenal Woman" contribute to the poem's message?
It reinforces the speaker's self-confidence and the idea
What is the speaker's message in the line "But they can't touch my inner mystery/ When I try to show them/ They say they still can't see it/ I say it's in the arch of my back/ The sun of my smile, The grace of my style"?
The speaker's message in the line is that her inner beauty cannot be fully understood or appreciated by others. Despite her efforts to show it, some people still cannot see it. She then lists specific physical features, such as the arch of her back, the sun of her smile, and the grace of her style, which all contribute to her confidence and inner beauty.
What is the definition of a stanza?
A group of lines in a poem.