Podcast
Questions and Answers
Still I Rise was written during which period of American history?
Still I Rise was written during which period of American history?
- The Harlem Renaissance
- The Civil Rights Movement (correct)
- The Civil War
- The Great Depression
Maya Angelou's poem 'Still I Rise' primarily focuses on the economic prosperity of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.
Maya Angelou's poem 'Still I Rise' primarily focuses on the economic prosperity of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.
False (B)
What is the central theme of the poem 'Still I Rise'?
What is the central theme of the poem 'Still I Rise'?
Resilience and empowerment
In 'Still I Rise', Angelou uses the metaphor of rising like ______ to symbolize resilience.
In 'Still I Rise', Angelou uses the metaphor of rising like ______ to symbolize resilience.
Match the literary device with its example from 'Still I Rise':
Match the literary device with its example from 'Still I Rise':
What does the word 'beset' most closely mean in the poem?
What does the word 'beset' most closely mean in the poem?
What is the meaning of the word 'tread' as used in the first stanza?
What is the meaning of the word 'tread' as used in the first stanza?
The word 'haughtiness' in 'Still I Rise' suggests weakness and vulnerability.
The word 'haughtiness' in 'Still I Rise' suggests weakness and vulnerability.
What does 'I laugh like I’ve got gold mines diggin’ in my own backyard' imply?
What does 'I laugh like I’ve got gold mines diggin’ in my own backyard' imply?
What part of speech is the word 'haughtiness'?
What part of speech is the word 'haughtiness'?
Match the following phrases from 'Still I Rise' with their implied meanings:
Match the following phrases from 'Still I Rise' with their implied meanings:
Which literary device is used in the line 'But still, like dust, I’ll rise'?
Which literary device is used in the line 'But still, like dust, I’ll rise'?
'I am a black ocean, leaping and wide' is an example of which literary device?
'I am a black ocean, leaping and wide' is an example of which literary device?
The line 'You may shoot me with your words' is an example of a simile.
The line 'You may shoot me with your words' is an example of a simile.
What is the effect of the repetition of 'I rise, I rise, I rise' in the poem?
What is the effect of the repetition of 'I rise, I rise, I rise' in the poem?
'Does my sassiness upset you?' is an example of a ______ question.
'Does my sassiness upset you?' is an example of a ______ question.
Match each literary device with its function in 'Still I Rise':
Match each literary device with its function in 'Still I Rise':
What central theme do both 'Blowin’ in the Wind' and 'The Rose That Grew from Concrete' share?
What central theme do both 'Blowin’ in the Wind' and 'The Rose That Grew from Concrete' share?
In 'Blowin’ in the Wind', the speaker asks rhetorical questions to:
In 'Blowin’ in the Wind', the speaker asks rhetorical questions to:
'The Rose That Grew from Concrete' suggests that people from difficult backgrounds are destined to fail.
'The Rose That Grew from Concrete' suggests that people from difficult backgrounds are destined to fail.
The phrase 'How many times must a man turn his head / Pretending he just doesn’t see?' suggests what?
The phrase 'How many times must a man turn his head / Pretending he just doesn’t see?' suggests what?
How does 'The Rose That Grew From Concrete' challenge ______?
How does 'The Rose That Grew From Concrete' challenge ______?
Match the poem with its central theme:
Match the poem with its central theme:
In 'Blowin’ in the Wind,' what does 'the wind' symbolize?
In 'Blowin’ in the Wind,' what does 'the wind' symbolize?
The rose in 'The Rose That Grew from Concrete' represents:
The rose in 'The Rose That Grew from Concrete' represents:
The concrete in 'The Rose That Grew from Concrete' symbolizes a supportive community.
The concrete in 'The Rose That Grew from Concrete' symbolizes a supportive community.
In 'Blowin' in the Wind', what do cannonballs symbolizes?
In 'Blowin' in the Wind', what do cannonballs symbolizes?
What does the tone of 'Blowin’ in the Wind' invite, reflection and ______?
What does the tone of 'Blowin’ in the Wind' invite, reflection and ______?
Match the poem with its tone:
Match the poem with its tone:
What does the prefix 'mis-' mean in the word 'miscommunication'?
What does the prefix 'mis-' mean in the word 'miscommunication'?
What does the prefix 'un-' mean in the word 'unfair'?
What does the prefix 'un-' mean in the word 'unfair'?
The prefix 're-' in 'rebuild' means 'not'.
The prefix 're-' in 'rebuild' means 'not'.
What is the meaning of the suffix '-able' in 'relatable'?
What is the meaning of the suffix '-able' in 'relatable'?
What part of speech does a word become when the suffix '-ment' is added to 'achieve'?
What part of speech does a word become when the suffix '-ment' is added to 'achieve'?
Match the following prefixes with their meanings:
Match the following prefixes with their meanings:
Which word is the closest synonym of 'empowerment'?
Which word is the closest synonym of 'empowerment'?
What is the antonym of 'independent'?
What is the antonym of 'independent'?
A synonym for resilience is weakness.
A synonym for resilience is weakness.
What is the opposite of validation?
What is the opposite of validation?
What is a synonym for 'critique'?
What is a synonym for 'critique'?
Match the following words with their antonyms:
Match the following words with their antonyms:
What is the correct homophone for 'principle'?
What is the correct homophone for 'principle'?
Choose the correct homophone: 'I love to read books, but my favorite genre is ___.'
Choose the correct homophone: 'I love to read books, but my favorite genre is ___.'
Their, there, and they're are homographs.
Their, there, and they're are homographs.
Identify the correct homophone: 'I need to ___ a letter to my friend.'
Identify the correct homophone: 'I need to ___ a letter to my friend.'
Identify the correct homophone: 'The new student sat over ______ with her friends.'
Identify the correct homophone: 'The new student sat over ______ with her friends.'
Match the homophone with the correct definition:
Match the homophone with the correct definition:
Identify the abstract noun:
Identify the abstract noun:
Which is a proper noun?
Which is a proper noun?
The word 'apple' is a proper noun.
The word 'apple' is a proper noun.
What type of noun is 'justice' classified as, when used in a sentence?
What type of noun is 'justice' classified as, when used in a sentence?
In the sentence, 'She lives in Paris', the proper noun used is ______.
In the sentence, 'She lives in Paris', the proper noun used is ______.
Match the following nouns with their noun type.
Match the following nouns with their noun type.
Identify the personal pronoun:
Identify the personal pronoun:
Which of the following is a demonstrative pronoun?
Which of the following is a demonstrative pronoun?
A possessive pronoun shows ownership.
A possessive pronoun shows ownership.
Determine whether the underlined pronoun, 'It' is, personal, possessive, or demonstrative. - The dog loves it's bone.
Determine whether the underlined pronoun, 'It' is, personal, possessive, or demonstrative. - The dog loves it's bone.
Choose the correct type of pronoun, ______, possessive, or personal. - This is my favorite song.
Choose the correct type of pronoun, ______, possessive, or personal. - This is my favorite song.
Flashcards
Sassiness
Sassiness
Boldness and confidence.
Beset
Beset
Troubled or burdened.
Haughtiness
Haughtiness
Arrogance or pride.
Resilience
Resilience
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Oppression
Oppression
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Symbolism
Symbolism
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Metaphor
Metaphor
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Tone
Tone
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Homophone
Homophone
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Prefix
Prefix
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Abstract Noun
Abstract Noun
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Simile
Simile
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Personification
Personification
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Repetition
Repetition
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Hyperbole
Hyperbole
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Rhetorical Questions
Rhetorical Questions
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Imagery
Imagery
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"The Wind" Symbolism
"The Wind" Symbolism
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"The Rose" Symbolism
"The Rose" Symbolism
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Prefix mis-
Prefix mis-
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Prefix un-
Prefix un-
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Prefix re-
Prefix re-
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Suffix -able
Suffix -able
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Suffix -less
Suffix -less
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Principle
Principle
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Principal
Principal
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Inequality
Inequality
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Pronoun
Pronoun
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Homophone
Homophone
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Abstract Nouns
Abstract Nouns
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Mood
Mood
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Blowin in the Wind
Blowin in the Wind
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The Rose that grew from Concrete
The Rose that grew from Concrete
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Historical Context
Historical Context
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Personal struggles
Personal struggles
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Study Notes
Exam Overview
- The exam is on Thursday, February 27, 2025 and will last for 90 minutes
- The exam covers poetry comprehension, poetry comparison, and language in context
Study Checklist Reminders
- Read poems multiple times
- Summarize stanzas
- Highlight literary devices
- Practice multiple-choice and short-answer questions
- Paraphrase stanzas
- Compare themes
- Identify symbolism
- Understand historical background and relevance
- Review prefixes, suffixes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones
- Identify noun and pronoun types
- Complete exercises with new words
Exam Day Tips
- Get 8 hours of sleep
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Bring extra pens and pencils
- Read questions carefully
- Use elimination for multiple-choice
- Underline keywords
- Take deep breaths if stuck
- Review answers
Poetry Comprehension: Still I Rise
Background Information & Historical Context
- Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was an African American poet, activist, and writer
- The poem was published in 1978 in the collection And Still I Rise
- The poem reflects struggles against racism and injustice in the U.S.
- The poem also draws on personal and historical experiences of oppression
- The poem has a defiant, proud, and triumphant tone
Central Themes
- Resilience & Strength: The speaker refuses to be defeated by oppression.
- Empowerment: Emphasizes self-worth, confidence, and perseverance.
- Overcoming Adversity: One can rise stronger no matter how much one is pushed down.
- Oppression & Social Injustice: Addresses historical discrimination, especially against African Americans.
- Hope & Triumph: Encourages hope for a future not defined by oppression.
Literary Devices
- Simile: Comparison using "like" or "as," e.g., "But still, like dust, I’ll rise."
- Metaphor: Direct comparison, e.g., Comparing herself to an unstoppable ocean, symbolizing strength.
- Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things, e.g., "You may shoot me with your words."
- Repetition: Repeating words/phrases for emphasis, e.g., "I rise, I rise, I rise."
- Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis, e.g., "Does my sassiness upset you?"
- Symbolism: Objects/ideas representing larger meanings, e.g., dust, oil wells, gold mines reflect resilience and self-worth.
- Rhetorical Questions: Questions not meant to be answered, e.g., "Does my haughtiness offend you?"
- Imagery: Descriptive language appealing to senses e.g "Shoulders falling down like teardrops, / Weakened by my soulful cries."
- Tone Triumphant, bold, and defiant
- Mood Inspirational, Uplifting
Tone and Mood
- Tone: Defiant, Triumphant, Confident (speaker's attitude)
- Mood: Inspirational, Uplifting (feeling for the reader)
Vocabulary in Context
- Sassiness: Boldness and confidence, e.g., "Does my sassiness upset you?"
- Beset: Troubled or burdened, e.g., "Why are you beset with gloom?"
- Haughtiness: Arrogance or pride, e.g., "Does my haughtiness offend you?"
Poetry Comparison: Blowin’ in the Wind & The Rose That Grew from Concrete
Background Information & Historical Context
- Blowin’ in the Wind: Written during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War protests. It questions war, injustice, and ignorance.
- The Rose That Grew from Concrete: Reflects Tupac’s struggles growing up in poverty, symbolizing overcoming hardship.
Key Study Areas
- Blowin’ in the Wind:
- Theme: War, Freedom, Social Injustice.
- Tone: Thought-provoking, Reflective.
- Symbolism: The wind = Uncertainty, Unanswered questions.
- Historical Context: Written during the Civil Rights Movement, questioning justice.
- Relevance to Today: Encourages reflection on social issues and activism.
- The Rose That Grew from Concrete:
- Theme: Overcoming adversity, Personal Growth.
- Tone: Hopeful, Inspirational.
- Symbolism: The rose = Someone who succeeds despite hardships.
- Historical Context: Represents Tupac's life growing up in tough conditions.
- Relevance to Today: Shows how people can succeed against all odds.
Comparison Table
- Theme:
- Blowin' in the Wind questions social injustice and human ignorance.
- The Rose That Grew from Concrete highlights perseverance.
- Symbolism:
- Blowin' in the Wind: wind represents uncertainty.
- The Rose That Grew from Concrete: The rose represents overcoming hardship.
- Tone:
- Blowin' in the Wind: Reflective, questioning, frustrated tone.
- The Rose That Grew from Concrete: Hopeful, proud, inspirational tone.
- Imagery:
- Blowin' in the Wind uses images of war and injustice.
- The Rose That Grew from Concrete illustrates beauty and strength in an unlikely place.
- Historical Context:
- Blowin' in the Wind was written during the Civil Rights Movement.
- The Rose That Grew from Concrete reflects Tupac’s personal struggles.
- Relevance Today:
- Blowin’ in the Wind is relevant to activism and social justice.
- The Rose That Grew from Concrete is relatable for personal motivation.
Summary of Comparison
- Blowin’ in the Wind critiques society and people ignoring suffering.
- The Rose That Grew from Concrete reflects on rising above challenges.
- Both poems discuss resilience, but focus on different aspects.
Language in Context
Key Grammar & Vocabulary Topics
- Synonyms & Antonyms: Expand vocabulary by learning words with similar/opposite meanings.
- Homophones: Understand words that sound the same but have different meanings.
- Prefixes & Suffixes: Word parts that change meaning.
- Nouns & Pronouns: Identify types of nouns and pronouns.
- Context Clues: Use surrounding words to infer meanings.
Vocabulary List
- Resilience: Ability to recover from difficulties.
- Oppression: Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment.
- Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent deeper meanings.
- Metaphor: An implied comparison between two unlike things.
- Tone: The speaker’s attitude in a text.
- Homophone: Words that sound alike but have different meanings.
- Prefix: Letters added at the beginning of a word to change meaning.
- Abstract Noun: A noun representing an idea rather than a physical object.
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Description
Prepare for your poetry exam with reminders, study checklists, and exam day strategies. Focus on poetry comprehension, comparison, and language. Includes background and historical context for Maya Angelou's 'Still I Rise'.
