Maya Angelou wrote in and out of time during the 20th century. Her works had a lasting impact on the American culture, poetry, and literature. She was a poet, speaker, actress and civil rights activist. Her words provided inspiration, hope, and empowerment to many. Angelou’s writing was characterized by her confident and powerful use of language. She used her writing as a platform to spread her inspiring message.
Angelou published her first book in 1969, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, Is one of her most famous works, and was an immediate success. This book talks about her childhood and early adult life in Stamps, Arkansas. In it, she powerfully conveys the oppressive environment of racism and gender inequality that she experienced growing up. She shares her struggles with self-identity, explores themes of family and faith, and examines her formative relationships.
Through her words, Angelou was able to speak out against social injustices and oppression. She sought to highlight how we can all find strength and courage within ourselves and how adversity can be overcome with resilience and determination. Her works were also a testament to the power of healing, independence, and self-love. Angelou understood the importance of symbolism and imagery in her writing, as she sought to move readers with her voice.
Angelou used her works to bridge the gap between the civil rights and Black Power movements. In her 1970 book ‘Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie’, she uses a freedom fighter’s narrative to express the civil rights struggle. ‘In and Out of Time’ (1978) follows a similar path. In this work, Angelou revisits her civil rights activism of the past, as well as her current state of consciousness about history and identity. The poem is a reflection on time, mortality, and the importance of understanding our own worth.
Angelou wrote many books and poems throughout her life. In her later years, Angelou worked on the autobiographical series ‘Mom & Me & Mom’ (2013). This book, unlike the others, was written with an emphasis on her relationship with her own mother. In the end, it serves as a profound tribute to her mother’s strength, love, and guidance.
On Time and Language
Angelou often used language to explore ideas around time. For example, in her poem ‘And Still I Rise’, Angelou speaks of being in and out of time, stating that “The world’s greatest agony has been the agony of time.” By using this line, Angelou was able to give readers a sense of her own experience of living through oppression, discrimination and violence. She also used her writing to express hope for the future, encouraging people to stay strong and “rise above” their struggles.
In her poetry, Angelou used language to capture a combination of past and present, exploring themes of memory, mortality and identity. As she wrote in her 1978 poem, ‘In and Out of Time’: “My past had not passed: it hung around my neck… Memory gets between me and my action.” With these words, Angelou reminded readers of the importance of understanding one’s past and the impact of the present on the future.
Angelou’s use of language enabled her to transcend time and capture the complexity of the human experience. She sought to take readers on a journey, leading them through her life’s journey of injustice and triumph. In her works, readers could observe her thoughts as they explored themes of identity and mortality.
On Memory and Identity
Memory featured prominently in Angelou’s works, as she used her writing to explore her own identity. In her autobiography, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, she speaks of finding her power through the recollections of her past. “The idea of memory inspired me to write about the strength of one’s identity and the power of the bonds that tie us together,” she wrote. Throughout her works, Angelou used her own experiences of being in and out of time to express the importance of identity and understanding one’s history.
This was particularly evident in Angelou’s poem ‘Still I Rise’. In it, she expresses the challenge of holding onto her individual sense of identity, stating; “I keep the past behind me. I am strong, I am invincible … still I rise”. This line serves as an empowering reminder to readers to keep fighting and never give up. Her works document her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and acceptance of her own identity.
Angelou also explored how memory can be used to shape one’s identity. In her autobiography ‘Gather Together in My Name’, Angelou wrote that “The story of my life and identity is in the memories of my past”. Here, she was highlighting how our memories can inform our future paths, and therefore shape our sense of identity. For her, memories of the past were not simply to be forgotten, but to be celebrated and memorialized.
On Mortality and Hope
Mortality was a constant theme throughout Angelou’s works. In her poem ‘On Aging’, Angelou emphasizes that “the thought of dying terrified me and filled me with terror”. Through her writing, Angelou was seeking to capture the fear and anxiety associated with death, and the uncertainty of life. Despite this, she also sought to impart hope for the future, and explored the idea of living life to its fullest.
Angelou wrote about the importance of immortality through her poetry. In her poem ‘Still I Rise’, she poignantly states: “I rise / I am haunted / by waters, that I might have had.” Here, Angelou speaks of the regrets, dashed hopes, and missed opportunities that life presents. However, as the poem progresses, Angelou also speaks of hope and resilience by reminding us that “The heart is simply stronger than the mind”.
Angelou was a passionate advocate for hope and resilience. She made it her mission to use her words to inspire and provide comfort to those going through challenging times. As she wrote in her poem ‘Hope’: “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tune without the words – and never stops at all”. This was Angelou’s message that hope and courage can always prevail in the darkest of times.
On Impact and Legacy
The impact of Angelou’s works reached far beyond her own lifetime. Her autobiographies, poems and other works have been translated into dozens of languages, reaching millions of readers around the globe. She was a pioneer in literature, and her works sought to inspire readers and bring people together.
In the wake of Angelou’s death, the Maya Angelou Foundation was established in her honour. The foundation works to advance her vision of making the world a better place, by supporting global programs focused on education, equality and justice.
On July 28th 2014, President Obama honored Angelou with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. From Oprah Winfrey to Hillary Clinton, countless important figures have spoken of Angelou’s impact on their lives and works. “In her words, Maya reminded us that we are all God’s children; that we all have something to offer” said President Obama.
Angelou’s legacy lives on in the many books, poems, and quotes she left behind. Her legacy is that of heroism, hope and courage. That, in the face of immense adversity, it is possible to rise, to find joy and spread your words of inspiration.
