Introduction: “Africa” by Maya Angelou
“Africa” by Maya Angelou, first published in 1978 in the poetry collection And Still I Rise, is a powerful exploration of Africa’s history, its enduring beauty, and its resilience in the face of oppression. Angelou uses vivid imagery and metaphor to portray Africa as a woman, both vulnerable and strong. The main idea of the poem is a celebration of African heritage and a call for recognition and respect for the continent’s contributions to the world.
Text: “Africa” by Maya Angelou
Thus she had lain
sugercane sweet
deserts her hair
golden her feet
mountains her breasts
two Niles her tears.
Thus she has lain
Black through the years.
Over the white seas
rime white and cold
brigands ungentled
icicle bold
took her young daughters
sold her strong sons
churched her with Jesus
bled her with guns.
Thus she has lain.
Now she is rising
remember her pain
remember the losses
her screams loud and vain
remember her riches
her history slain
now she is striding
although she has lain.
Annotations: “Africa” by Maya Angelou
| Line | Annotation |
| Thus she had lain | Introduces Africa as a female figure, suggesting vulnerability and passivity. |
| sugarcane sweet | Describes Africa’s natural beauty and abundance, particularly in terms of agricultural resources. |
| deserts her hair | Metaphorically represents Africa’s vast and arid landscapes. |
| golden her feet | Symbolizes the wealth and potential of Africa. |
| mountains her breasts | Represents Africa’s natural resources, particularly minerals and land. |
| two Niles her tears | Refers to the Nile River, a vital source of life and sustenance for Africa, and also symbolizes Africa’s suffering and loss. |
| Thus she has lain | Reinforces the initial image of Africa as vulnerable and passive, but also suggests a long-standing state. |
| Black through the years | Highlights Africa’s enduring identity and resilience despite historical oppression. |
| Over the white seas | Refers to the European colonization of Africa. |
| rime white and cold | Symbolizes the harshness and indifference of European colonizers. |
| brigands ungentled | Describes the violent and immoral actions of European colonizers. |
| icicle bold | Further emphasizes the coldness and cruelty of European colonialism. |
| took her young daughters | Represents the forced labor and exploitation of Africans, particularly women and children. |
| sold her strong sons | Refers to the slave trade, which devastated Africa’s population and economy. |
| churched her with Jesus | Describes the forced conversion of Africans to Christianity, often accompanied by cultural suppression. |
| bled her with guns | Represents the violence and conflict associated with European colonialism. |
| Thus she has lain | Repeats the earlier line, suggesting that despite the suffering endured, Africa has remained resilient. |
| Now she is rising | Indicates Africa’s awakening and determination to overcome historical oppression. |
| remember her pain | Calls for Africans to remember their past suffering and to use it as a source of strength and motivation. |
| remember the losses | Emphasizes the devastating impact of colonialism on Africa. |
| her screams loud and vain | Symbolizes the desperation and ineffectiveness of African resistance during the colonial era. |
| remember her riches | Reminds Africans of their natural wealth and potential. |
| her history slain | Highlights the destruction of African culture and heritage during colonialism. |
| now she is striding | Represents Africa’s newfound strength and determination. |
| although she has lain | Suggests that despite past vulnerability, Africa is now rising and asserting its power. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Africa” by Maya Angelou
| Device | Definition | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in a sentence. | “sugercane sweet,” “rime white” | Creates a musical rhythm and emphasizes the sweetness and harshness of the images in the poem. |
| Anaphora | The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. | “Thus she has lain” | Repeats to emphasize the long history of Africa’s suffering and resilience. |
| Assonance | The repetition of vowel sounds within words. | “golden her feet” | The repetition of the “o” sound creates a soothing, almost mournful tone. |
| Consonance | The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words. | “black through the years” | The repetition of the “k” and “th” sounds adds a harsh, enduring tone to the poem’s reflection on time. |
| End-stop | A pause at the end of a line, often marked by punctuation. | “her history slain” | The period emphasizes the finality and violence of Africa’s history. |
| Enjambment | The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line. | “took her young daughters / sold her strong sons” | Forces the reader to move quickly to the next line, mirroring the urgency and severity of the actions described. |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration for emphasis or effect. | “her screams loud and vain” | Exaggerates the intensity of Africa’s suffering to highlight its severity. |
| Imagery | Language that appeals to the senses, creating a vivid picture. | “deserts her hair / golden her feet” | Evokes visual images that personify Africa, making the land itself a character in the poem. |
| Irony | A contrast between expectation and reality. | “churched her with Jesus / bled her with guns” | Highlights the irony of bringing religion to Africa while also subjecting it to violence. |
| Metaphor | A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” | “mountains her breasts / two Niles her tears” | Compares Africa’s physical features to the human body, personifying the continent. |
| Oxymoron | A figure of speech in which two contradictory terms appear together. | “icicle bold” | Combines the cold, hard image of an icicle with boldness, suggesting a harsh, fearless force. |
| Paradox | A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth. | “bled her with guns” | Highlights the contradiction of “civilizing” Africa with violence, revealing the hypocrisy of colonialism. |
| Personification | Attributing human qualities to non-human things. | “Thus she has lain” | Africa is personified as a woman, emphasizing the continent’s suffering and endurance. |
| Repetition | The deliberate use of the same word or phrase multiple times. | “remember her pain / remember the losses” | Repeats “remember” to emphasize the importance of recalling Africa’s history and suffering. |
| Rhyme | The repetition of similar sounds at the end of lines. | “bold / cold” | The rhyme connects the two words, enhancing the harsh imagery of the poem. |
| Simile | A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” | N/A | No explicit simile in the poem; the poem primarily uses metaphors instead. |
| Symbolism | The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. | “golden her feet” | Gold symbolizes wealth and value, referencing Africa’s rich natural resources. |
| Tone | The attitude or approach that the author takes toward the poem’s theme. | Reflective, mournful, and ultimately hopeful | The tone shifts from sorrowful reflection on Africa’s past to a hopeful outlook on its future. |
| Theme | The central idea or message in a work of literature. | The resilience and history of Africa | The poem explores Africa’s suffering under colonialism and its enduring strength and eventual rise. |
| Symbolism | The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. | “Niles her tears” | The Nile River symbolizes life and sustenance, as well as the sorrow and pain endured by the continent. |
Themes: “Africa” by Maya Angelou
1. Historical Oppression and Resilience: Beyond the explicit references to colonization, slavery, and cultural suppression, the poem also subtly hints at the ongoing effects of these historical traumas. The image of Africa as a “Black through the years” suggests a continuous struggle against the legacies of oppression. Furthermore, the poem’s hopeful tone, despite acknowledging past suffering, emphasizes Africa’s resilience and its ability to overcome historical challenges.
2. Cultural Identity and Heritage: The poem not only celebrates Africa’s natural beauty and historical significance but also highlights the resilience of its cultural identity. Despite centuries of foreign influence and oppression, Africa’s cultural heritage remains deeply rooted. This is evident in the poem’s use of African imagery and metaphors, which serve to reinforce the continent’s unique identity.
3. The Power of Remembrance: The poem suggests that remembering the past is not merely about dwelling on suffering but also about learning from it. By acknowledging the historical injustices perpetrated against Africa, the poem empowers Africans to confront the challenges of the present and build a better future. Furthermore, the poem implies that remembering the past can foster a sense of collective identity and solidarity among Africans.
4. The Struggle for Liberation and Equality: The poem’s call for liberation and equality is not merely a plea for political independence but also a demand for social and economic justice. The image of Africa “rising” suggests a broader struggle for empowerment and self-determination. Moreover, the poem implies that the struggle for liberation and equality is not just a matter of individual effort but also a collective endeavor that requires unity and solidarity.
Literary Theories and “Africa” by Maya Angelou
| Literary Theory | Application to “Africa” by Maya Angelou | References from the Poem |
| Postcolonial Theory | Examines the impact of colonialism on cultures and societies, highlighting issues of power, identity, and resistance. | “took her young daughters / sold her strong sons”: Reflects the exploitation and dehumanization under colonial rule. |
| This theory explores how Africa’s identity was shaped and scarred by colonial forces and how the continent is reclaiming its narrative. | “churched her with Jesus / bled her with guns”: Illustrates the paradox of colonialism bringing religion alongside violence. | |
| “now she is rising”: Indicates a postcolonial resurgence and the reclaiming of Africa’s history and identity. | ||
| Feminist Theory | Analyzes the poem through the lens of gender, considering how Africa is personified as a female figure and how this reflects women’s roles and experiences. | “mountains her breasts / two Niles her tears”: Personifies Africa as a woman, symbolizing fertility, life, and suffering. |
| This perspective explores how the portrayal of Africa as a woman highlights themes of exploitation, pain, and eventual empowerment. | “took her young daughters”: Addresses the specific suffering of women during colonial exploitation. | |
| “now she is striding”: Represents a powerful, feminist image of Africa reclaiming her strength and autonomy. | ||
| Historical Criticism | Considers the historical context of the poem, analyzing how Angelou references Africa’s past, particularly the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. | “black through the years”: Reflects the long history of African suffering and endurance. |
| This theory helps to understand how the poem connects Africa’s historical experiences with its present struggles and future hopes. | “remember her riches / her history slain”: Calls attention to Africa’s rich history that was devastated by colonialism. | |
| “bled her with guns”: Directly references the violence and exploitation Africa endured during colonization. |
Critical Questions about “Africa” by Maya Angelou
· What is the significance of the female personification of Africa?
- The female personification of Africa in the poem is a powerful and provocative choice that raises complex questions about gender, power, and agency. On one hand, it humanizes the continent, making it easier for readers to empathize with its suffering and resilience. However, it also reinforces traditional gender roles, which can be seen as problematic in a poem that seeks to empower Africa. Does the poem’s use of female imagery ultimately reinforce or challenge patriarchal norms?
· How does the poem balance the themes of suffering and resilience?
- The poem’s ability to balance the themes of suffering and resilience is a key element of its power. While it acknowledges the immense pain and loss inflicted upon Africa, it also celebrates its enduring spirit and ability to overcome adversity. However, there is a risk that the focus on suffering might overshadow the message of hope and resilience. Does the poem successfully strike a balance between these two themes, or does one dominate over the other?
· What is the role of nature in the poem?
- The use of nature imagery in the poem serves multiple purposes. It creates a vivid and evocative picture of Africa, highlighting its beauty and abundance. However, it also suggests a deep connection between Africa and its natural environment. This connection can be seen as a source of strength and resilience, but it can also raise concerns about environmental exploitation and the impact of climate change. How does the poem explore the relationship between Africa and its natural environment?
· How does the poem address the issue of colonialism and its lasting impact on Africa?
- The poem’s exploration of colonialism is both explicit and implicit. It directly references the violence and exploitation of European colonialism, but it also suggests that the effects of colonialism continue to shape Africa’s present. The poem raises questions about the legacy of colonialism, including its impact on African identity, agency, and economic development. How does the poem offer a nuanced understanding of the long-term consequences of colonialism?
Literary Works Similar to “Africa” by Maya Angelou
- “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans: Both poems celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of Black womanhood, drawing from personal experiences and historical contexts.
- “Weeping Woman”by Grace Nichols: Both poems explore themes of loss, grief, and the enduring spirit of Black women in the face of adversity.
- “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes: Both poems evoke a sense of deep connection to African heritage and history, using powerful imagery to convey a sense of belonging and identity.
- “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: Both poems assert defiance and resilience in the face of oppression, using strong language and imagery to convey a sense of empowerment and determination.
Suggested Readings: “Africa” by Maya Angelou
- Angelou, Maya. The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou. Random House, 1994.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/5081/the-complete-collected-poems-of-maya-angelou-by-maya-angelou/ - Walker, Pierre A., and Gregg L. Hecimovich. The Literature of the American South: A Norton Anthology. W.W. Norton & Company, 1998.
https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393972706 - McCluskey, Audrey T. “Maya Angelou: Telling the Truth, Eloquently.” Black Camera, vol. 16, no. 2, 2001, pp. 3–11. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27761585. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
- Neubauer, Carol E., and Maya Angelou. “An Interview with Maya Angelou.” The Massachusetts Review, vol. 28, no. 2, 1987, pp. 286–92. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25089856. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
- Lupton, Mary Jane. “‘When Great Trees Fall’: The Poetry of Maya Angelou.” CLA Journal, vol. 58, no. 1/2, 2014, pp. 77–90. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44326221. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
Representative Quotations of “Africa” by Maya Angelou
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Thus she had lain” | Repeated at the beginning of the first and second stanzas, this line introduces Africa as a personified figure who has endured suffering over time. | Postcolonial Theory: Reflects Africa’s subjugation and the long history of colonization and exploitation. |
| “sugercane sweet” | Describes Africa’s natural wealth and fertility, symbolizing the continent’s richness. | Eco-Criticism: Highlights the relationship between Africa’s natural resources and the exploitation by colonial powers. |
| “deserts her hair / golden her feet” | Uses vivid imagery to personify Africa, comparing its landscapes to parts of a woman’s body, emphasizing both beauty and desolation. | Feminist Theory: Africa is depicted as a woman, reflecting the gendered portrayal of land as both life-giving and vulnerable. |
| “mountains her breasts / two Niles her tears” | Continues the personification of Africa, where mountains and rivers are compared to breasts and tears, symbolizing both fertility and sorrow. | Psychoanalytic Criticism: Represents the maternal image of Africa, nurturing yet deeply wounded. |
| “Black through the years” | Suggests the enduring identity of Africa despite the trials it has faced, emphasizing the continent’s resilience. | Critical Race Theory: Addresses the long-standing racial identity of Africa and its people through history. |
| “Over the white seas / rime white and cold” | Introduces the external forces (colonialists) who crossed the seas to exploit Africa, using cold imagery to depict their detachment and cruelty. | Postcolonial Theory: Represents the intrusion of European colonizers, depicted as cold and dehumanizing. |
| “churched her with Jesus / bled her with guns” | Highlights the paradox of colonization, where religion was used to justify violence and subjugation. | Postcolonial Theory/Irony: Critiques the contradictory actions of colonizers who brought both religion and violence. |
| “Now she is rising” | Marks a turning point in the poem, indicating Africa’s awakening and resurgence after years of oppression. | Postcolonial Theory: Represents the decolonization and reclamation of African identity and sovereignty. |
| “remember her pain / remember the losses” | A call to remember Africa’s suffering and the toll of colonialism, urging reflection on historical injustices. | Historical Criticism: Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Africa’s painful history as part of its identity. |
| “now she is striding / although she has lain” | Concludes the poem with a powerful image of Africa moving forward, despite its past struggles, symbolizing hope and empowerment. | Feminist/Postcolonial Theory: Portrays Africa as a resilient female figure, reclaiming her strength and agency. |