Still I Rise

Words: 421
Pages: 2

Maya Angelou, author of the poem ‘Still I Rise’ successfully uses language features such as rhetorical questions, personal pronouns in addition to repetition, in order to shape the audiences reaction to the important ideas of refusal to give up hope and standing up to oppression. Angelou uses these language features to encourage her audience to question their part in the oppression of minority groups and welcome the idea of pressing for change.
Angelou used the language feature of rhetorical questions to subtly influence the audience to react negatively to her oppressors, known simply as “you” in the poem, and even contemplate their part in the oppression of minority groups in their own lives. Her use of rhetorical questions specifically in