Introduction: “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
“Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou first appeared in 1978 in her third poetry collection, titled And Still I Rise. The poem is a celebration of female empowerment and self-love, featuring a speaker who radiates confidence and charm despite not conforming to traditional beauty standards. The poem’s rhythmic free verse and use of repetition create a powerful and memorable voice. Its defiance of societal norms and its uplifting message have made “Phenomenal Woman” an anthem for women around the world.
Text: “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Annotations: “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
| Stanza | Annotation |
| 1 | The speaker opens by highlighting the curiosity of other women about her appeal. She contrasts their conventional beauty standards with her own self-assuredness, suggesting that her secret lies beyond physical appearance. |
| 2 | The speaker reveals that her allure comes from her confidence and physical presence. The repetition of “Phenomenal woman, That’s me” emphasizes her self-acceptance and pride. |
| 3 | The speaker describes the effect she has on men, who are drawn to her charisma and energy. She attributes this effect to her passion and vitality, using vivid imagery like “fire in my eyes” and “joy in my feet.” |
| 4 | The speaker acknowledges that even men cannot fully grasp the source of her appeal. She alludes to a deeper “inner mystery” that goes beyond physical attributes, emphasizing her self-worth and individuality. |
| 5 | The speaker confidently asserts that her head is held high due to her self-assuredness. She doesn’t need to be loud or boisterous to command attention; her presence alone is enough. The final repetition of “Phenomenal woman, That’s me” reinforces the poem’s central theme of female empowerment and self-love. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
| Device | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | “fellows stand or fall down” | Repetition of the same initial consonant sound in multiple words close together. |
| Anaphora | “It’s in the reach of my arms… It’s the fire in my eyes… It’s in the arch of my back…” | Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. |
| Assonance | “cool as you please” | Repetition of vowel sounds within non-rhyming words. |
| Consonance | “The fellows stand or fall down on their knees” | Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words. |
| Enjambment | “Men themselves have wondered / What they see in me.” | Continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line. |
| Hyperbole | “Then they swarm around me, / A hive of honey bees.” | Exaggeration for emphasis or effect. |
| Imagery | “The stride of my step, / The curl of my lips.” | Descriptive language that creates vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. |
| Internal Rhyme | “They try so much / But they can’t touch” | Rhyming within a single line of poetry. |
| Metaphor | “A hive of honey bees.” | A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” |
| Onomatopoeia | “click of my heels” | A word that phonetically imitates the sound it describes. |
| Parallelism | “The span of my hips, / The stride of my step, / The curl of my lips.” | Use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same. |
| Personification | “When you see me passing, / It ought to make you proud.” | Attribution of human characteristics to something non-human. |
| Refrain | “Phenomenal woman, / That’s me.” | A regularly recurring phrase or verse, especially at the end of each stanza. |
| Repetition | “Phenomenally.” | Repetition of a word or phrase to emphasize its importance. |
| Rhyme | “smile / style” | Correspondence of sound between words or the endings of words. |
| Simile | “Just as cool as you please” | A comparison using “like” or “as.” |
| Symbolism | “the fire in my eyes” | Using an object or action to represent an idea or quality. |
| Synecdoche | “the curl of my lips” | A part of something represents the whole or it may use a whole to represent a part. |
| Tone | Confident, celebratory | The general character or attitude of a piece of writing. |
| Understatement | “I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size” | Presenting something as smaller or less important than it is. |
Themes: “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
- Self-Confidence: The poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou is a powerful expression of self-confidence and self-worth. The speaker asserts her phenomenal qualities despite not conforming to traditional beauty standards, declaring “I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size” (Angelou 1-2). This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the speaker’s unique beauty and strengths. The speaker’s confidence is unwavering, as she repeatedly declares “I’m a woman / Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, / That’s me” (Angelou 5-6). This self-assurance is a testament to the speaker’s ability to define her own worth and beauty, regardless of societal expectations.
- Empowerment: The speaker’s confidence and self-assurance empower her to command attention and respect from others. When she walks into a room, she does so “Just as cool as you please” (Angelou 9), exuding a sense of calm and collectedness that is both captivating and intimidating. The men around her are drawn to her presence, with some standing in awe while others “Fall down on their knees” (Angelou 10). This reaction is not just about physical attraction but also about the speaker’s inner strength and confidence, which is palpable and inspiring. The speaker’s empowerment is a reminder that true strength comes from within and that confidence can be a powerful tool for achieving one’s goals.
- Femininity: The poem is a celebration of femininity and womanhood, highlighting the speaker’s curves, smile, and style as sources of her phenomenal nature. The speaker’s body is not just a physical entity but also a symbol of her strength and beauty. She draws attention to her “reach of my arms, / The span of my hips, / The stride of my step, / The curl of my lips” (Angelou 11-14), emphasizing the beauty and power of her feminine form. By celebrating her body and its unique qualities, the speaker is reclaiming the feminine experience and challenging traditional beauty standards. This celebration of femininity is a powerful statement about the importance of self-love and acceptance.
- Inner Strength: The speaker’s inner mystery and strength are evident in her independence and unwavering sense of self, which cannot be touched or understood by others. Despite men’s attempts to understand her, they “try so much / But they can’t touch / My inner mystery” (Angelou 17-19). This inner strength is a source of both power and peace, allowing the speaker to remain confident and self-assured even in the face of adversity. The speaker’s inner strength is also a reminder that true beauty and power come from within and that no one can take away one’s sense of self-worth. By celebrating her inner strength, the speaker is encouraging readers to do the same, promoting a sense of self-love and empowerment that is both inspiring and liberating.
Literary Theories and “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
| Literary Theory | Application | Reference from the Poem |
| Feminist Theory | The poem challenges traditional gender roles and beauty standards, celebrating femininity and womanhood. | “I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size… I’m a woman / Phenomenally.” (1-2, 5-6) |
| Postcolonial Theory | The speaker asserts her independence and self-worth, resisting societal expectations and stereotypes. | “Men themselves have wondered / What they see in me… It’s in the arch of my back, / The sun of my smile, / The ride of my breasts, / The grace of my style.” (17-21) |
| Performance Theory | The speaker performs her identity, using her body and presence to command attention and respect. | “I walk into a room / Just as cool as you please… The fellows stand or / Fall down on their knees.” (9-10) |
Critical Questions about “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
- How does Angelou challenge conventional standards of beauty in “Phenomenal Woman”?
- Angelou directly confronts and subverts conventional standards of beauty by celebrating her unique attributes, which do not align with traditional norms. She states, “I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size” (line 2-3), thereby rejecting society’s narrow definitions of attractiveness. Instead, she highlights the power and allure in her natural form, such as “the reach of my arms, / The span of my hips” (line 6-7). This celebration of self-assurance and physical presence redefines beauty, placing value on confidence and individuality over societal expectations.
- What role does confidence play in the speaker’s identity as a “Phenomenal Woman”?
- Confidence is central to the speaker’s identity and is depicted as the source of her power and attractiveness. When she enters a room, she does so “Just as cool as you please” (line 14), suggesting an effortless self-assurance that commands attention and respect. This confidence is not loud or ostentatious; rather, it is a quiet, undeniable presence, as she asserts, “I don’t shout or jump about / Or have to talk real loud” (line 46-47). The poem suggests that true confidence emanates from within and is a defining characteristic of a “Phenomenal Woman.”
- In what ways does Angelou use physical descriptions to symbolize inner qualities?
- Angelou uses vivid physical descriptions to symbolize the speaker’s inner strength and grace. For instance, “the fire in my eyes” (line 26) symbolizes her passion and intensity, while “the joy in my feet” (line 30) reflects her happiness and zest for life. These descriptions go beyond mere physicality to convey deeper qualities that define her character. The “arch of my back” (line 38) and “the sun of my smile” (line 39) symbolize resilience and warmth, respectively, illustrating how her inner virtues manifest in her outward appearance.
- How does Angelou address the theme of self-acceptance in the poem?
- Self-acceptance is a pervasive theme in “Phenomenal Woman,” illustrated through the speaker’s unwavering pride in her identity. Angelou writes, “Now you understand / Just why my head’s not bowed” (line 44-45), indicating a refusal to conform to societal pressures or feel inferior. The speaker’s repeated affirmation, “Phenomenal woman, / That’s me” (line 10-11, 32-33, 44-45, 60-61), reinforces her complete acceptance and celebration of herself as she is. This refrain underscores the idea that self-acceptance is not only empowering but also fundamental to her phenomenal nature.
Literary Works Similar to “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
- “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: Similar to “Phenomenal Woman,” this poem celebrates resilience, strength, and confidence in the face of adversity.
- “Ego Tripping (There May Be a Reason Why)” by Nikki Giovanni: This poem, like “Phenomenal Woman,” exudes self-confidence and pride in one’s identity, emphasizing the power and majesty of being a woman.
- “Ain’t I a Woman?” by Sojourner Truth: This powerful piece shares a theme of female empowerment and challenges societal norms, much like Angelou’s celebration of womanhood.
- “Woman Work” by Maya Angelou: Angelou’s own poem that focuses on the strength and endurance of women in their daily lives, paralleling the themes of inner strength and resilience.
- “Homage to My Hips” by Lucille Clifton: Similar to “Phenomenal Woman,” this poem embraces and celebrates the physical and personal attributes of a woman, highlighting self-acceptance and body positivity.
Suggested Readings: “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
Books:
- Angelou, Maya. And Still I Rise. Random House, 1978.
- Bloom, Harold, ed. Maya Angelou. Bloom’s Modern Critical Views. Chelsea House Publishers, 2001.
- Lupton, Mary Jane. Maya Angelou: A Critical Companion. Greenwood Press, 1998.
Weblinks:
- “Phenomenal Woman (Maya Angelou poem).” GradeSaver, https://www.gradesaver.com/phenomenal-woman-maya-angelou-poem.
- “Maya Angelou.” Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/maya-angelou.
Representative Quotations of “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size” | The speaker introduces herself, challenging traditional beauty standards | Feminist Theory: Resisting societal expectations of beauty |
| “I’m a woman / Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, / That’s me” | The speaker asserts her confidence and self-worth | Performance Theory: Performing identity and self-confidence |
| “I walk into a room / Just as cool as you please” | The speaker describes her entrance, commanding attention and respect | Performance Theory: Using presence and body language to perform identity |
| “Men themselves have wondered / What they see in me” | The speaker acknowledges men’s fascination with her, but asserts her independence | Postcolonial Theory: Resisting objectification and asserting agency |
| “It’s in the arch of my back, / The sun of my smile, / The ride of my breasts, / The grace of my style” | The speaker celebrates her body and femininity | Feminist Theory: Celebrating femininity and challenging traditional beauty standards |
| “I’m a woman / Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, / That’s me” (repeated) | The speaker reasserts her confidence and self-worth, concluding the poem | Performance Theory: Reiterating performed identity and self-confidence |