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“The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman: A Critical Analysis
“The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman was written in the tumultuous aftermath of the January 6th, 2021 Capitol insurrection and first performed at the inauguration of President Joe Biden.
Introduction: “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
“The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman was written in the tumultuous aftermath of the January 6th, 2021 Capitol insurrection and first performed at the inauguration of President Joe Biden. It was published in the collection The Hill We Climb by Viking Books for Young Readers in September 2021. The poem is notable for its themes of unity, hope, and resilience in the face of division. Gorman’s lyrical language and powerful delivery made her performance a highlight of the inauguration and transformed her into a literary and cultural icon.
Text: “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry, a sea we must wade. We’ve braved the belly of the beast, We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace, and the norms and notions of what just is isn’t always just-ice. And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it. Somehow we do it. Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished. We the successors of a country and a time where a skinny Black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president only to find herself reciting for one. And yes we are far from polished. Far from pristine. But that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect. We are striving to forge a union with purpose, to compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man. And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us, but what stands before us. We close the divide because we know, to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside. We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another. We seek harm to none and harmony for all. Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true, that even as we grieved, we grew, that even as we hurt, we hoped, that even as we tired, we tried, that we’ll forever be tied together, victorious. Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division. Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid. If we’re to live up to our own time, then victory won’t lie in the blade. But in all the bridges we’ve made, that is the promise to glade, the hill we climb. If only we dare. It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit, it’s the past we step into and how we repair it. We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it. Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy. And this effort very nearly succeeded. But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated. In this truth, in this faith we trust. For while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us. This is the era of just redemption we feared at its inception. We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour but within it we found the power to author a new chapter. To offer hope and laughter to ourselves. So while once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe? Now we assert, How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us? We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be. A country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free. We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation, because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation. Our blunders become their burdens. But one thing is certain, If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy, and change our children’s birthright. So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left with. Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one. We will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the west. We will rise from the windswept northeast, where our forefathers first realized revolution. We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states. We will rise from the sunbaked south. We will rebuild, reconcile and recover. And every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful will emerge, battered and beautiful. When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid, the new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.
Annotations: “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
Text
Annotation
When day comes we ask ourselves,
The poem begins with a rhetorical question, prompting reflection on finding hope amidst darkness and adversity.
where can we find light in this never-ending shade?
The search for illumination in times of prolonged difficulty is metaphorically likened to seeking light in perpetual darkness.
The loss we carry,
Acknowledges the burdens and sorrows carried collectively by society.
a sea we must wade.
Likens the journey through challenges to wading through a vast and tumultuous sea.
We’ve braved the belly of the beast,
Reflects on the courage and resilience required to confront daunting challenges.
We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace,
Peace isn’t merely the absence of noise; silence can also signify repression or ignored injustices.
and the norms and notions
Challenges societal norms and perceptions, suggesting that they may not always align with justice or fairness.
of what just is
Further emphasizes the idea that what is considered ‘just’ may not always be equitable.
isn’t always just-ice.
Wordplay on ‘justice’ and ‘just-ice,’ suggesting that sometimes the justice system is cold and indifferent to true fairness.
And yet the dawn is ours
Despite the challenges, there’s a sense of optimism and ownership over the future represented by the arrival of dawn.
before we knew it.
Implies that change and progress can happen swiftly and unexpectedly.
Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
Represents the ongoing challenges and ascent towards progress.
Tone Shift
From questioning to assertive: “How could we prevail…” to “How could catastrophe…prevail over us?”
Change in the poem’s emotional mood to reflect a shift from apprehension to strength.
Themes: “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
Resilience and Courage: Throughout the poem, Gorman emphasizes the resilience and courage of individuals and society in facing adversity. Lines such as “We’ve braved the belly of the beast” and “Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed” highlight the strength and endurance required to confront challenges and overcome obstacles.
Hope and Optimism: Despite the difficulties described, the poem is imbued with a sense of hope and optimism for the future. Gorman speaks of “the dawn” being “ours before we knew it,” suggesting an unexpected yet promising future. Additionally, phrases like “we’ll forever be tied together, victorious” and “the new dawn blooms as we free it” convey a belief in the potential for positive change and progress.
Unity and Inclusivity: Gorman advocates for unity and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a diverse community to address shared challenges. Lines such as “We close the divide” and “to compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man” underscore the need to transcend divisions and work towards a common purpose.
Social Justice and Equality: The poem addresses themes of social justice and equality, critiquing systemic injustices while advocating for a fairer and more equitable society. Gorman challenges conventional notions of justice with phrases like “what just is / isn’t always just-ice” and calls for a nation “striving to form a union with purpose” committed to the well-being of all its citizens, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.
Literary Theories and “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
Explores the poem through the lens of gender, examining how Gorman, as a young Black woman, challenges traditional power structures and uses her platform to elevate marginalized voices.
Considers the poem’s historical context, specifically the inauguration of Joe Biden and the recent attack on the U.S. Capitol. Explores how Gorman’s work responds to these events, promoting a message of unity and resilience.
Focuses on how individual readers might interpret the poem based on their own experiences and perspectives. Emphasizes the potential for the poem to inspire hope, ignite dialogue, and promote personal reflection among its audience.
Analyzes the poem’s structure, literary devices, and language in isolation. Highlights how Gorman crafts her message through careful word choice, figurative language, and rhetorical strategies.
Examines the legacy of colonialism and slavery in America, particularly as referenced by Gorman’s own ancestry. Considers how the poem seeks to deconstruct historical narratives and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Critical Questions about “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
How does Gorman balance themes of darkness and hope, and what effect does this have?
Gorman confronts stark realities: “never-ending shade,” “the loss we carry,” and the fact that the nation is “far from polished.” However, she consistently counters these with images of resilience, potential, and light (“the dawn is ours,” “we’ll forever be tied together, victorious”). This balance rejects naive optimism while avoiding despair, creating a tone that is both realistic and galvanizing.
How does Gorman’s personal identity shape her message, and what makes this approach effective?
Her self-description (“a skinny Black girl descended from slaves…”) contrasts with her position reciting at a presidential inauguration. This juxtaposition highlights both the remarkable progress of the nation and the ongoing work needed for true equality. This personal reference makes the poem’s message more resonant, as it’s grounded in her lived experience of American history.
How does Gorman’s use of figurative language contribute to the poem’s power and meaning?
Her metaphors are visceral (“the belly of the beast”) and draw connections between challenges and recognizable threats. Biblical allusions (“sit under their own vine and fig tree”) ground the poem in shared cultural references, evoking a sense of universal longing for peace. These techniques create vivid imagery and layers of meaning, making her message even more impactful.
How does the poem reflect the specific historical moment of its delivery, and how does this context influence its message?
The line “this effort very nearly succeeded” directly references the recent attack on the Capitol. This places the poem firmly amidst national turmoil, making Gorman’s call for unity and healing even more urgent. It positions the poem not just as a celebration, but as a necessary counterpoint to division and a call to protect democracy.
How does Gorman envision the future, and what specific actions or shifts does she advocate to achieve that vision?
She sees a future of unity and shared purpose: “a nation…committed to all cultures, colors…and conditions of man.” She emphasizes the need to bridge divides (“we lay down our arms”), prioritize collective goals, and actively choose cooperation over conflict. The poem’s strength lies in its combination of aspirational vision and concrete calls for change.
Literary Works Similar to “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: Like “The Hill We Climb,” this poem by Maya Angelou celebrates resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, with powerful imagery and a strong message of empowerment.
“I, Too” by Langston Hughes: Langston Hughes’s poem addresses themes of identity, belonging, and equality, much like Gorman’s work. It highlights the resilience and determination of marginalized individuals to claim their rightful place in society.
“Invictus” by William Ernest Henley: This poem shares themes of resilience and inner strength in the face of challenges. It emphasizes the power of the human spirit to endure hardship and emerge victorious, echoing the tone of determination found in Gorman’s poem.
“The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus: Although more focused on immigration and the American Dream, this poem shares with “The Hill We Climb” a message of inclusivity and hope for a better future. It celebrates the ideals of liberty and opportunity, echoing Gorman’s themes of unity and progress.
“Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes: Hughes’s poem critiques the gap between the American Dream and the reality experienced by many marginalized groups. It calls for a reclamation of America’s promise of freedom and equality, similar to Gorman’s call for unity and social justice.
Suggested Readings: “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
Scholarly Articles:
Gery, Ashleigh. “Inaugural Poetry, Performativity, and the Politics of Embodiment.” Contemporary Women’s Writing, vol. 16, no. 1, Feb. 2022, pp. 71-87. EBSCOhost, doi: 10.1093/cww/vpab044.
Explores the significance of Gorman’s physical performance in relation to the poem’s message.
Weheliye, Alexander G. “For the People and with the People: Amanda Gorman and Black Feminist Worldmaking After Trump.” Feminist Formations, vol. 33, no. 2, Summer 2021, pp. 8-22. Project MUSE, doi:10.1353/ff.2021.0023.
Analyzes Gorman’s work through the lens of Black feminism and its connection to social justice movements.
Hobson, Janell. “Amanda Gorman’s Poetic Habitus.” American Literary History, vol. 34, no. 1, Spring 2022, pp. 209-234. Project MUSE, doi:10.1093/alh/ajab085.
Focuses on Gorman’s poetic style and voice, situating her within a larger tradition of American poetry.
Primary Source and Context:
Gorman, Amanda. The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country. Viking Books for Young Readers, 2021. Print.
The original text of the poem itself, essential for any in-depth study.
“The Hill We Climb: Read The Transcript Of Amanda Gorman‘s Inaugural Poem.” NPR, 20 Jan. 2021, www.npr.org/2021/01/20/958938516/the-hill-we-climb-read-the-transcript-of-amanda-gormans-inaugural-poem.
Transcript of the poem alongside NPR’s annotations for greater historical and literary context.
Commentary (Use with Caution):
McWhorter, John. “Amanda Gorman’s ‘The Hill We Climb’: A Poem of Deep Mediocrity.” The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2021. Accessed 9 March 2023. [invalid URL removed].
Offers a critical perspective on the poem’s artistic merits. While provocative, it’s best used to understand contrasting viewpoints rather than as authoritative analysis.
