Introduction: “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans
“I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans was first published in 1970 in the collection Black Woman: An Anthology of Poems. This powerful poem explores themes of identity, resilience, and the strength of Black womanhood. Evans uses vivid imagery and strong language to convey her experiences and the challenges faced by Black women. The poem’s central message is a celebration of Black womanhood and a defiance of societal expectations and stereotypes.
Text: “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans
I am a black woman
the music of my song
some sweet arpeggio of tears
is written in a minor key
and I
can be heard humming in the night
Can be heard
humming
in the night
I saw my mate leap screaming to the sea
and I/with these hands/cupped the lifebreath
from my issue in the canebrake
I lost Nat’s swinging body in a rain of tears
and heard my son scream all the way from Anzio
for Peace he never knew….I
learned Da Nang and Pork Chop Hill
in anguish
Now my nostrils know the gas
and these trigger tire/d fingers
seek the softness in my warrior’s beard
I am a black woman
tall as a cypress
strong
beyond all definition still
defying place
and time
and circumstance
assailed
impervious
indestructible
Look
on me and be
renewed
Annotations: “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans
| Line | Annotation |
| I am a black woman | The speaker asserts her identity as a Black woman, setting the tone of pride and resilience throughout the poem. |
| the music of my song | The speaker refers to her life and experiences as a song, indicating that her life story is something to be heard, felt, and understood deeply. |
| some sweet arpeggio of tears | An arpeggio is a sequence of musical notes played in a rising or descending order. The phrase “sweet arpeggio of tears” juxtaposes the beauty of music with the pain and sorrow she has endured. |
| is written in a minor key | Minor keys in music are often associated with sadness or melancholy. This line suggests that the speaker’s life, though beautiful, is tinged with sorrow and hardship. |
| and I | The repetition of “I” emphasizes the speaker’s personal experience and strength. |
| can be heard humming in the night | Humming in the night suggests a quiet resilience, a constant presence even in the darkest times. It implies a sense of enduring strength that is both subtle and powerful. |
| Can be heard | The repetition highlights the importance of being noticed and heard, even in silence. |
| humming | The act of humming represents an expression of inner strength and perseverance. |
| in the night | The night symbolizes darkness, struggle, and possibly loneliness, yet the speaker continues to hum, demonstrating her resilience. |
| I saw my mate leap screaming to the sea | This line references the historical trauma of slavery, where African men, women, and children were forcibly taken from their homeland. The mate’s leap to the sea suggests desperation and an attempt to escape the horrors of enslavement. |
| and I/with these hands/cupped the lifebreath | The speaker describes a nurturing, protective action, possibly referencing the care for her children or loved ones during times of extreme hardship. The use of “these hands” emphasizes personal experience and the labor involved. |
| from my issue in the canebrake | “Issue” refers to her children or descendants, and “canebrake” evokes imagery of the harsh conditions of slavery, where enslaved people worked in the cane fields. |
| I lost Nat’s swinging body in a rain of tears | This line likely refers to Nat Turner, a Black preacher who led a rebellion against slavery in 1831. “Swinging body” could signify his execution, and the “rain of tears” represents the grief and sorrow experienced by the Black community. |
| and heard my son scream all the way from Anzio | Anzio is a reference to the Battle of Anzio in World War II, where many African American soldiers fought. The line highlights the pain of losing a son in war, fighting for a country that had oppressed him. |
| for Peace he never knew….I | The speaker mourns her son’s death and the peace he was never afforded in life, reflecting the broader struggles of African Americans seeking justice and equality. |
| learned Da Nang and Pork Chop Hill | Da Nang and Pork Chop Hill are references to battles in the Vietnam War and the Korean War, respectively. This line emphasizes the ongoing struggles faced by Black Americans in wars abroad and at home. |
| in anguish | The speaker experiences deep pain and suffering, both personally and collectively, as part of the African American experience. |
| Now my nostrils know the gas | This likely refers to the use of tear gas or other chemical agents used during civil rights protests, symbolizing the speaker’s direct confrontation with violence and oppression. |
| and these trigger tire/d fingers | The speaker’s fingers are worn from hardship, possibly from work, war, or protest. The mention of “trigger” may also suggest involvement in armed struggle or self-defense. |
| seek the softness in my warrior’s beard | Despite the hardship, there is a desire for tenderness and connection, seeking comfort in the presence of a “warrior,” which could represent a partner, a loved one, or the collective strength of her community. |
| I am a black woman | The repetition reaffirms the speaker’s identity and strength. |
| tall as a cypress | The cypress tree symbolizes resilience and durability. The speaker compares herself to this tree, signifying her strength and ability to stand tall against adversity. |
| strong beyond all definition still | The speaker’s strength transcends conventional understanding, suggesting that it is both inherent and immeasurable. |
| defying place | The speaker challenges the constraints of location or environment, suggesting that her identity and strength are not confined to any one place. |
| and time | The speaker’s resilience is timeless, existing across different eras and generations. |
| and circumstance | The speaker remains strong regardless of the circumstances she faces, further emphasizing her indomitable spirit. |
| assailed | Despite being attacked or oppressed, the speaker endures. |
| impervious | The speaker is resistant to harm or suffering, highlighting her resilience. |
| indestructible | The speaker declares herself unbreakable, reinforcing the theme of enduring strength. |
| Look | The speaker calls upon the reader or listener to witness her strength and resilience. |
| on me and be | This line invites reflection and recognition of the speaker’s strength. |
| renewed | The final word suggests that by witnessing the speaker’s resilience, others can find inspiration and renewal in their own struggles. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans
| Literary/Poetic Device | Definition | Example from the Poem | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allusion | An indirect reference to a person, event, or thing. | “Nat’s swinging body” | Refers to Nat Turner, leader of a slave rebellion, evoking the historical trauma of lynching. |
| Anaphora | Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. | “I am a black woman” | The repeated phrase emphasizes the speaker’s identity and pride. |
| Assonance | Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. | “my song / some sweet” | The repetition of the “o” sound creates a melodic quality in the poem. |
| Consonance | Repetition of consonant sounds, typically at the end of words. | “gas / these” | The “s” sound links the words, creating a sense of connection between them. |
| Enjambment | Continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line. | “and these trigger tire/d fingers” | The line break emphasizes the exhaustion and continuous struggle. |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration for emphasis or effect. | “strong / beyond all definition” | The speaker’s strength is depicted as immeasurable, highlighting her resilience. |
| Imagery | Descriptive language that appeals to the senses. | “Now my nostrils know the gas” | Vividly describes the horrors of war, evoking a sensory experience. |
| Metaphor | A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as”. | “I am a black woman / the music of my song” | Compares the speaker’s life to music, highlighting the emotional depth of her experiences. |
| Parallelism | The use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same. | “I learned Da Nang and Pork Chop Hill / in anguish” | The parallel structure emphasizes the repetitive nature of suffering and war. |
| Personification | Attribution of human characteristics to non-human things. | “my song / some sweet arpeggio of tears” | The song is given human emotions, deepening the expression of sorrow. |
| Repetition | Repeating words or phrases for emphasis. | “I am a black woman” | The repeated phrase reinforces the speaker’s identity and resilience. |
| Rhetorical Question | A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer. | “Look on me and be renewed” | Although not a direct question, it invites the reader to reflect, adding depth to the closing lines. |
| Simile | A comparison using “like” or “as”. | “tall as a cypress” | Compares the speaker’s stature and strength to a cypress tree, symbolizing resilience and endurance. |
| Symbolism | The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. | “trigger tire/d fingers” | Represents the exhaustion and trauma experienced through struggles and conflicts. |
| Synecdoche | A part of something represents the whole. | “my issue” | The word “issue” represents her children, focusing on a part to signify the whole. |
| Tone | The attitude of the writer towards the subject. | Throughout the poem | The tone is resilient, defiant, and proud, reflecting the speaker’s enduring strength. |
| Juxtaposition | Placing two or more ideas side by side to develop comparisons or contrasts. | “in anguish / Now my nostrils know the gas” | Contrasts the different forms of suffering across time and experiences. |
| Irony | A contrast between expectation and reality. | “for Peace he never knew” | The tragic irony of fighting for peace that is never attained, emphasizing the futility of war. |
| Oxymoron | A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear together. | “sweet arpeggio of tears” | Combines “sweet” with “tears,” highlighting the complex emotions of sorrow mixed with beauty. |
Themes: “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans
- Resilience and Strength: The poem “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of Black women. The speaker repeatedly asserts her identity, beginning and ending the poem with the declaration, “I am a black woman.” This repetition emphasizes her unbreakable spirit despite the numerous challenges she faces. The lines “tall as a cypress / strong / beyond all definition still” further illustrate her indomitable nature, likening her to a cypress tree known for its durability and resilience.
- Historical and Generational Trauma: The poem addresses the historical and generational trauma experienced by Black people, particularly Black women. References to significant historical events and figures, such as “Nat’s swinging body” (likely referencing Nat Turner) and battles like “Da Nang and Pork Chop Hill,” highlight the continuous struggle against oppression across different eras. The speaker’s experiences, such as witnessing her “mate leap screaming to the sea” and hearing her “son scream all the way from Anzio,” reflect the collective pain endured by Black families due to slavery, war, and systemic violence.
- The Intersection of Personal and Collective Identity: Mary Evans explores the intersection of personal and collective identity, particularly in how the speaker’s experiences are both deeply personal and representative of the broader Black experience. The line “the music of my song / some sweet arpeggio of tears” suggests that the speaker’s individual story is part of a larger narrative shared by Black women. Her identity is not just her own but is deeply intertwined with the history and struggles of her community, as seen in the shared references to historical events and collective grief.
- Endurance and Defiance Against Oppression: The poem conveys a strong message of endurance and defiance against the various forms of oppression that Black women have faced throughout history. The speaker describes herself as “assailed / impervious / indestructible,” indicating that despite the attacks and hardships, she remains unbroken. This defiance is further emphasized in the lines “defying place / and time / and circumstance,” where the speaker transcends the limitations imposed by society, continuing to assert her identity and strength regardless of the challenges.
Literary Theories and “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans
| Literary Theory | Explanation | References from the Poem |
|---|---|---|
| Feminist Theory | Feminist theory examines how the poem addresses the experiences, struggles, and strengths of women, particularly black women, within a patriarchal society. It also explores themes of gender, identity, and resistance. | The poem’s repeated assertion “I am a black woman” reflects a strong, self-affirming identity, challenging societal norms that often marginalize black women. The imagery of strength and endurance, such as “tall as a cypress” and “strong beyond all definition,” emphasizes the resilience of black women. |
| Critical Race Theory | Critical Race Theory (CRT) explores the intersection of race, identity, and power. This theory examines how the poem represents the historical and ongoing struggles of black individuals, particularly black women, against systemic racism and oppression. | The poem references historical and personal trauma, such as “I lost Nat’s swinging body in a rain of tears” and “I saw my mate leap screaming to the sea,” highlighting the legacy of slavery and racial violence. The speaker’s resilience in the face of such adversities emphasizes the strength of black identity. |
| Postcolonial Theory | Postcolonial theory analyzes the effects of colonization and the struggle for cultural identity and self-definition. The poem can be seen as a response to the marginalization and dehumanization of black individuals, reclaiming their history and identity. | The reference to historical events and places such as “Da Nang and Pork Chop Hill” and the experiences of black soldiers in wars reflects the impact of colonialism and imperialism. The poem’s declaration of “defying place and time and circumstance” signifies resistance against colonial legacies and the assertion of black identity. |
Critical Questions about “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans
- How does Mary Evans use imagery to convey the speaker’s experiences and emotions?
- Evans employs vivid imagery throughout the poem to evoke the speaker’s experiences and emotions. For example, the image of the speaker “cupping the lifebreath from my issue in the canebrake” suggests the hardships of childbirth and the resilience of Black women in the face of adversity. The metaphor of the speaker being “tall as a cypress” conveys her strength and endurance, while the image of her “nostrils know the gas” alludes to the dangers and trauma experienced by Black people during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.
- How does the poem explore themes of identity and resilience?
- The poem delves into the complexities of Black identity, particularly in the context of historical oppression and social injustice. The speaker’s repeated assertion of “I am a black woman” serves as a powerful affirmation of her identity and her refusal to be defined by societal expectations. The poem also highlights the resilience of Black women, who have endured countless hardships yet continue to persevere. For example, the speaker’s ability to “defy place and time and circumstance” demonstrates her unwavering strength and determination.
- What is the significance of the poem’s historical context?
- The poem is deeply rooted in the historical context of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. References to events like the Vietnam War and the experiences of Black soldiers highlight the interconnectedness of these struggles. The poem also serves as a testament to the experiences of Black women, who have often been marginalized within the broader civil rights movement.
- How does the poem challenge societal stereotypes and expectations?
- “I Am a Black Woman” directly challenges societal stereotypes and expectations about Black women. The speaker refuses to conform to the limited and often negative portrayals of Black women in popular culture. Instead, she presents a complex and multifaceted image of Black womanhood, emphasizing her strength, resilience, and agency. The poem’s defiance of societal norms serves as a powerful statement of empowerment and resistance.
Literary Works Similar to “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans
- “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou: Both poems celebrate the strength, resilience, and pride of Black women, emphasizing their inherent beauty and power despite societal challenges.
- “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: Similar to Evans’ poem, “Still I Rise” is a powerful declaration of defiance and survival in the face of oppression, capturing the unbreakable spirit of Black women.
- “For My People” by Margaret Walker: Like “I Am a Black Woman,” this poem honors the collective struggles and enduring strength of the African American community, particularly focusing on the experiences of Black women.
- “A Litany for Survival” by Audre Lorde: Both poems explore themes of survival and resilience, with Lorde’s work also addressing the fears and challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly Black women.
- “Harlem” by Langston Hughes: While focusing more broadly on the African American experience, Hughes’ poem shares the theme of deferred dreams and the resilience of Black people in the face of ongoing hardship, similar to the themes in Evans’ work.
Suggested Readings: “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans
- Evans, Mari. I Am a Black Woman. New York: William Morrow and Company, 1970.
- Beaulieu, Elizabeth Ann. Black Women Writers and the American Neo-Slave Narrative: Femininity Unfettered. Greenwood Press, 1999.
- Collins, Patricia Hill. Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment. Routledge, 2000.
- Bádéjọ, Diedre L. “African Feminism: Mythical and Social Power of Women of African Descent.” Research in African Literatures, vol. 29, no. 2, 1998, pp. 94–111. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3820724. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.
- Tucker, Sherrie. “‘Where the Blues and the Truth Lay Hiding’: Rememory of Jazz in Black Women’s Fiction.” Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies, vol. 13, no. 2, 1993, pp. 26–44. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3346716. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.
- Evans, Mary. “Feminism and the Implications of Austerity.” Feminist Review, no. 109, 2015, pp. 146–55. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24571878. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.
Representative Quotations of “I Am a Black Woman” by Mary Evans
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “I am a black woman” | Opening line; establishes identity and centrality of the speaker’s race and gender. | Intersectionality: The poem highlights the intersection of race and gender, asserting the significance of the Black woman’s experience in American society.** |
| “the music of my song / some sweet arpeggio of tears” | Expresses the emotional depth and complexity of the speaker’s life experiences, likening them to a poignant musical composition. | Aesthetics of Resistance: The use of music as a metaphor suggests the resilience and beauty in the face of suffering, emphasizing the power of art in expressing the Black experience.** |
| “I saw my mate leap screaming to the sea” | References the historical trauma of the Middle Passage, where enslaved Africans were forced onto ships and many chose death over bondage. | Postcolonial Theory: This line invokes the trauma of slavery and its enduring impact on Black identity, reflecting the historical oppression and the legacy of resistance.** |
| “I lost Nat’s swinging body in a rain of tears” | Refers to the execution of Nat Turner, a leader of a slave rebellion, symbolizing the continuous struggle and sacrifice for freedom. | Historical Materialism: The line connects personal grief to broader socio-political struggles, illustrating the interconnectedness of individual and collective histories of resistance.** |
| “and heard my son scream all the way from Anzio” | Alludes to World War II, where Black soldiers fought for a peace they were often denied in their own country. | Critical Race Theory: This highlights the paradox of fighting for freedom abroad while being denied civil rights at home, critiquing systemic racism within the context of war and sacrifice.** |
| “I learned Da Nang and Pork Chop Hill in anguish” | References battles from the Vietnam War and Korean War, representing ongoing struggles faced by Black soldiers. | Militarism and Racial Politics: This reflects on the involvement of Black Americans in wars that did not fully recognize their humanity, critiquing the role of militarism in racial oppression.** |
| “I am a black woman / tall as a cypress” | Metaphorically describes the strength, resilience, and dignity of the Black woman, comparing her to a tall, enduring tree. | Black Feminist Thought: The cypress symbolizes the towering, indomitable spirit of Black women, reinforcing the themes of strength and survival in the face of adversity.** |
| “strong / beyond all definition still” | Affirms the indefinable strength and resilience of the Black woman, transcending societal limitations. | Existentialism: Emphasizes the Black woman’s agency and self-definition, challenging imposed identities and asserting her existence on her own terms.** |
| “assailed / impervious / indestructible” | Describes the Black woman’s ability to withstand attacks and remain unbroken, highlighting her enduring nature. | Resilience Theory: Focuses on the capacity to recover from adversity, portraying the Black woman as an emblem of indestructibility and imperviousness to external forces.** |
| “Look / on me and be / renewed” | Concludes the poem with a call to witness the Black woman’s strength and draw inspiration from her resilience. | Transformative Justice: Suggests that the Black woman’s experience can inspire and renew others, advocating for recognition and transformation through understanding her struggle.** |