Maya Angelou was an iconic and respected American poet, novelist, memoirist, essayist, playwright, filmmaker, educator and civil rights activist. Though she was widely praised during her lifetime, she did not receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. Maya Angelou’s prolific body of work has been the subject of numerous lifetime achievements awards, but the Nobel Prize was not among them.
Though Angelou received numerous awards and honorary degrees, her work was not considered to be of the caliber to merit a Nobel. The Nobel Prize for Literature is an international recognition given “to an individual for outstanding contribution to an artistic field.” While Angelou did have a lasting impact in the artistic and literary worlds, she did not achieve the level of recognition internationally to merit the Nobel.
While Angelou made great contributions to literature, her work did not meet the international recognition criteria necessary to win the Nobel Prize. Many writers and critics agree that while Angelou produced impressive and meaningful works of literature, they were not of a caliber to win the Nobel. Angelou’s writing was often described as deeply personal and highly engaging, but not of a scope to meet Nobel Prize criteria.
Another factor that likely prevented Angelou from winning the Nobel Prize relates to her activism. As a prominent civil rights activist, Angelou was involved in a number of highly charged and controversial issues that would have prohibited her from winning the Nobel. Her literature did not focus solely on literature, philosophy and art, as is typically required for Nobel Prize recognition.
For some, it is disappointing that Maya Angelou did not receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. Her works had lasting cultural and literary significance, and she was a brilliant wordsmith who excelled at writing. Angelou has undoubtedly impacted the worlds of literature, art and activism, but her wide-reaching scope kept her from winning the Nobel Prize.
The Feasibility of Winning the Nobel Prize
In order to be considered for the Nobel Prize, a writer’s body of work must meet certain criteria. In order to win the Nobel, certain criteria must be met, such as having world-renowned works that are respected and recognized, as well as having a breadth of writings that can be studied by scholars, critics and readers alike. The likelihood of any writer meeting this criterion is slim, and that likely was a factor in Maya Angelou not winning the Nobel Prize.
In the case of Maya Angelou, she was already in a category that was traditionally not favored for Nobel Prize consideration: people of color. There have been very few Nobel Prize winners of color, which is regrettable and likely a factor to why Angelou was not awarded the Nobel Prize.
Angelou’s work, while appreciated, simply did not meet the standards of other Nobel Prize nominees. While it can be argued that her work and recognition are certainly worth of the Nobel Prize and she is fully deserving of the honor, the Nobel Prize is much more than an honorary award. It is a mark of excellence and Angelou’s works were simply not comprehensive enough to be considered.
The Impact of Angelou’s Work
Regardless of whether Maya Angelou won a Nobel Prize or not, she is remembered for the significance of her works. Angelou was widely-respected for her writing and activism and was recognized by many awards and honorary degrees. Her work greatly impacted literature, art and activism. In fact, many consider Angelou to be one of the most influential female writers of her generation.
Angelou impacted not only literature but activism as well. Through her writing, Angelou spoke out on a multitude of topics, such as racism, poverty and sexism. Her words explored the difficult and often uncomfortable truths of society and were met with widespread acclaim. Angelou’s voice, and her words, will forever reverberate in the hearts of many who are still actively engaging with her work today.
In addition to the impact Angelou had on literature and activism, she was a pioneer in the realm of visual media. As a filmmaker, Angelou became one of the first African American women to write, produce, direct and star in her own feature film. Her impact in the visual medium was one of the ways she was able to reach an even wider audience, as her works could now be viewed worldwide.
The legacy of Maya Angelou’s work far precedes any recognition from the Nobel Prize. Her work has been read and interpreted around the world and her words will forever be remembered for their impact and emotion. While a Nobel Prize would have been deserved and appreciated, it is not necessary to immortalize the legacy of Angelou’s body of work.
Protagonist or Antagonist of Maya Angelou’s Work
Maya Angelou was not a traditional protagonist in the sense of having a “hero’s journey” or conventional storyline. Instead, Angelou is best known as a narrator of her life experiences, someone who invites the reader to join her in the exploration of the moments of her life. Through Angelou’s poems, stories, and memoirs, her readers are exposed to her encounters with injustice and oppression.
Angelou is certainly a protagonist in her own stories, conveying her aptitude for coping with difficulty. She regularly draws attention to such themes as racism and sexism, and she is portrayed as a battle-worn protagonist who has no problem speaking her truth. Although her work is outwardly critical of the injustices enacted upon marginalized communities, she never paints the oppressors as completely bad but allows them to have their place in the narrative, allowing for a greater understanding of the characters and their motivations.
Although she speaks on behalf of those who do not have a voice, Angelou does not take on the role of a traditional savior. Angelou’s writing is more of an invitation to discuss the injustices in society rather than painting her as a hero who will save them all. She uses her work to call attention to the issues and prompt conversation to open a dialogue between the oppressor and the oppressed.
Rather than a traditional protagonist, Angelou is more closely aligned to the role of an antagonist in many of her works. Angelou takes a stance against unfairness and seeks to bring light to the injustices of society. Her works are often critical, and not necessarily of her own experiences but of those that now inhabit the same reality she has had to endure. Angelou does not shy away from strong language and condemnation, making her writings a powerful tool for effecting change.
Angelou’s Deserving of the Nobel Prize
Maya Angelou is often cited as one of the most influential and prominent writers of her generation. Her works have been widely read and celebrated and she has earned several awards, honorary degrees and recognitions for her contribution to literature and activism. Although Angelou was never awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in her lifetime, her work and influence are deserving of such a recognition.
Angelou’s works were highly groundbreaking and influential. Her writing style was also unique and set her apart from other writers of her time. Her works varied in topics, with her poems and essays focusing on identity, oppression, hardship and human resilience. Angelou was also a pioneer, being among the first African American women to write, direct and star in her own feature film.
Though her work was not recognized with the Nobel Prize, Angelou’s influence is undeniable. Her works have been widely read and taught in schools, colleges and universities around the world and have become a beacon of hope for many people. While she never won the Nobel Prize, her work is evidence in itself of her deserving of such recognition.
Despite not receiving a Nobel Prize for Literature, Maya Angelou has left behind a legacy of courage, resilience and hope. Her writing, activism and art have had a lasting impact on the world, and her words will continue to inspire generations to come. The late poet, novelist and civil rights activist has won the hearts of many, and although she may not be a Nobel Prize recipient, her spirit, courage, and works will always receive the respect and recognition they deserve.
