“won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

“won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton was first published in 1974 in her poetry collection An Ordinary Woman. The poem is a powerful testament to resilience and survival, celebrating the strength found in overcoming adversity. Clifton’s voice is both personal and universal, speaking to the experiences of marginalized individuals while also resonating with anyone who has faced challenges. The poem’s simple language and direct tone create an intimacy that draws the reader in, while its powerful imagery and evocative metaphors leave a lasting impression.

Text: “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

Annotations: “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

Line	Annotation
“won’t you celebrate with me”	An invitation to the reader to join in celebrating the speaker’s life and accomplishments.
“what i have shaped into a kind of life?”	The speaker reflects on the life they have created for themselves, despite the challenges they faced.
“i had no model.”	The speaker had no role model or example to follow, they had to create their own path.
“born in babylon”	A metaphorical reference to being born in a place of oppression and marginalization (Babylon represents a place of exile and captivity in the Bible).
“both nonwhite and woman”	The speaker identifies as a nonwhite woman, highlighting the intersectionality of their experiences.
“what did i see to be except myself?”	The speaker had no one else to look up to, so they had to look to themselves for inspiration and guidance.
“i made it up”	The speaker emphasizes their agency and creativity in shaping their own life.
“here on this bridge between starshine and clay”	The speaker stands between the idealized world (starshine) and the harsh realities of life (clay), finding a balance between the two.
“my one hand holding tight my other hand”	A symbol of self-love, self-care, and self-empowerment.
“come celebrate with me that everyday something has tried to kill me and has failed.”	The speaker invites the reader to celebrate their resilience and survival in the face of adversity.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	” here on this bridge between”	The repetition of the “b” sound creates a musical effect.
Allusion	“born in babylon”	Refers to the historical and cultural significance of Babylon, suggesting a sense of displacement and struggle faced by the speaker.
Anaphora	“won’t you celebrate with me”	Repetition of the phrase at the beginning of multiple lines emphasizes the speaker’s invitation to celebrate her achievements despite adversity.
Assonance	“what did i see to be except myself?”	Repetition of the short “e” sound in “see,” “be,” and “me” creates a sense of introspection and emphasizes the speaker’s individuality and self-awareness.
Consonance	“both nonwhite and woman”	Repetition of the “n” and “w” sounds in “nonwhite” and “woman” creates a sense of unity and emphasizes the speaker’s identity as a woman of color.
Enjambment	“here on this bridge between / starshine and clay”	The continuation of a sentence or phrase across line breaks creates a sense of fluidity and connects disparate elements (“starshine and clay”).
Hyperbole	“something has tried to kill me / and has failed”	Exaggeration emphasizes the speaker’s resilience and the magnitude of the challenges she has overcome.
Imagery	“starshine and clay”	The juxtaposition of celestial (“starshine”) and earthly (“clay”) imagery creates vivid visual contrasts, symbolizing the speaker’s existence between the divine and the mundane.
Metaphor	“this bridge between / starshine and clay”	The bridge serves as a metaphor for the speaker’s existence, positioned between lofty aspirations (“starshine”) and earthly realities (“clay”).
Parallelism	“my one hand holding tight / my other hand”	The parallel structure emphasizes the unity and balance in the speaker’s life, despite facing challenges.
Personification	“something has tried to kill me / and has failed”	Assigns human qualities to abstract concepts (such as “something” attempting to kill the speaker), emphasizing the persistent nature of adversity.
Repetition	“won’t you celebrate with me”	Repeated throughout the poem, this phrase serves as a refrain, highlighting the speaker’s desire for acknowledgment and communal celebration.
Simile	“here on this bridge between / starshine and clay”	Compares the speaker’s position in life to being on a bridge, using “like” or “as” (“between”) to create a vivid image of transition and existence between two states.
Symbolism	“starshine and clay”	“Starshine” symbolizes aspirations, dreams, or the divine, while “clay” symbolizes earthly existence or mundane reality. Together, they represent the dual nature of human life.
Tone	Invitation to celebrate	The overall tone of the poem is celebratory and inclusive, inviting the reader to join in the speaker’s joy despite the challenges she has faced.
Enjambment	“here on this bridge between / starshine and clay”	The continuation of a sentence or phrase across line breaks creates a sense of fluidity and connects disparate elements (“starshine and clay”).
Irony	“something has tried to kill me / and has failed”	The speaker presents survival as a failure on the part of the adversities faced, using irony to underscore her resilience and strength.
Juxtaposition	“starshine and clay”	The placing of two contrasting elements side by side (“starshine” and “clay”) highlights the complexity of the speaker’s existence, between aspirations and reality.
Metonymy	“born in Babylon”	Refers to the speaker’s origins, using the name of a historical place (“Babylon”) to represent the challenges and cultural context of her birthplace.
Oxymoron	“starshine and clay”	Combines contradictory terms (“starshine,” representing brilliance and lofty goals, and “clay,” representing earthiness and mundane existence) for emphasis and contrast.

Themes: “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

Literary Theories and “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

Literary Theory	Reference from the Poem	Analysis
Feminist Theory	“born in babylon / both nonwhite and woman”	The poem explores the intersectionality of gender and race, highlighting the speaker’s experiences as a nonwhite woman.
Postcolonial Theory	“born in babylon”	The reference to Babylon, a symbol of oppression and exile, highlights the speaker’s experiences as a marginalized individual in a society shaped by colonialism and oppression.
Existentialist Theory	“i had no model. / i made it up”	The speaker’s emphasis on self-creation and agency reflects existentialist ideals, as they take responsibility for shaping their own life despite the lack of role models or guidance.

Note:

• Feminist Theory analyzes the poem’s exploration of gender and race intersectionality.
• Postcolonial Theory examines the poem’s references to oppression, marginalization, and the impact of colonialism.
• Existentialist Theory looks at the speaker’s emphasis on self-creation, agency, and responsibility in shaping their own life.

Critical Questions about “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

• Question 1: How does the speaker’s identity shape their experiences and perspective?
• The speaker’s identity as a “nonwhite” and “woman” (lines 4-5) significantly influences their experiences and perspective. Born in “babylon” (line 3), a metaphor for oppression, the speaker has had to navigate a society that marginalizes them. This identity shapes their perspective, as they reflect on the challenges they’ve faced and the need to “celebrate” their survival (line 12). The speaker’s identity also informs their sense of self-reliance, as they note, “i had no model. / i made it up” (lines 5-6).
• Question 2: What role does self-love and self-care play in the speaker’s life?
• Self-love and self-care are essential for the speaker’s survival and well-being. The image of their “one hand holding tight” their “other hand” (line 9) symbolizes self-acceptance and self-compassion. This act of self-love empowers the speaker to “celebrate” their life, despite the daily struggles they face (line 12). By prioritizing self-care, the speaker resists the oppressive forces that seek to “kill” them (line 12).
• Question 3: How does the speaker’s use of imagery and metaphor contribute to the poem’s themes?
• The speaker’s use of imagery and metaphor enriches the poem’s themes of resilience, self-love, and survival. The “bridge between starshine and clay” (line 7) represents the speaker’s navigation of idealism and harsh reality. The “babylon” metaphor (line 3) conveys the oppressive nature of society, while the image of “one hand holding tight” the “other hand” (line 9) embodies self-love and self-care. These images and metaphors create a powerful and evocative landscape that underscores the speaker’s message.
• Question 4: What message do you think the speaker wants to convey to the reader?
• The speaker invites the reader to “celebrate” their life and survival, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and honoring one’s experiences (line 1). By sharing their story, the speaker encourages the reader to reflect on their own struggles and triumphs. The poem’s message is one of resilience, hope, and self-love, urging the reader to embrace their own identity and find strength in their unique experiences. The speaker’s invitation to “come celebrate” (line 11) creates a sense of community and solidarity, emphasizing that survival is something to be cherished and celebrated.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statement about “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

Topic	Questions	Thesis Statement
Identity and Resilience	How does Lucille Clifton explore the themes of identity and resilience in “won’t you celebrate with me”?   How does the speaker’s assertion of her identity as a nonwhite woman contribute to her resilience in the face of adversity?	Through the celebration of personal triumphs despite societal challenges, Lucille Clifton’s poem “won’t you celebrate with me” poignantly illustrates the intersectionality of identity and resilience, highlighting the speaker’s journey towards self-acceptance and the assertion of her own worth in the face of societal expectations and discrimination.
Communal Celebration and Solidarity	How does Clifton use the motif of celebration to emphasize the importance of communal support and solidarity?   How does the speaker’s invitation to “celebrate with me” reflect a desire for collective acknowledgment and recognition?	By extending an invitation to communal celebration, Lucille Clifton’s poem “won’t you celebrate with me” underscores the significance of unity and shared joy in overcoming adversity, portraying celebration as a powerful tool for fostering connection and affirming individual worth within a supportive community.
Symbolism and Imagery	How does Clifton employ symbolism and imagery, such as “starshine and clay,” to convey the complexities of the speaker’s experience?   What do these contrasting elements symbolize, and how do they contribute to the poem’s thematic exploration?	Through vivid symbolism and imagery, particularly the juxtaposition of “starshine and clay,” Lucille Clifton’s poem “won’t you celebrate with me” portrays the dualities inherent in the speaker’s existence, symbolizing the aspiration for transcendence amidst the realities of earthly existence and underscoring the complexities of human identity and experience.
Literary Devices and Poetic Techniques	How does Clifton employ various literary devices and poetic techniques, such as repetition, metaphor, and enjambment, to enhance the thematic depth and emotional resonance of the poem?   How do these techniques contribute to the overall effectiveness of the poem in conveying the speaker’s message?	Through the strategic use of literary devices and poetic techniques, including repetition, metaphor, and enjambment, Lucille Clifton crafts a poignant and resonant exploration of identity, resilience, and communal celebration in her poem “won’t you celebrate with me,” inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of the human experience and the power of triumphing over adversity.

Literary Works Similar to “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

1. “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: This iconic poem by Maya Angelou shares themes of resilience, empowerment, and celebration of overcoming adversity. Like Clifton’s poem, it asserts the speaker’s strength and triumph in the face of challenges.
2. “The Layers” by Stanley Kunitz: Kunitz’s poem explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and acceptance as the speaker reflects on the layers of experiences that have shaped their identity. It shares similarities with Clifton’s work in its introspective tone and celebration of personal growth.
3. “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley: Henley’s poem embodies themes of resilience, determination, and self-empowerment in the face of adversity. It shares with Clifton’s poem a defiant spirit and a celebration of inner strength.
4. “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou: Another poem by Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman,” celebrates the speaker’s confidence, beauty, and resilience in the face of societal expectations. It shares with Clifton’s work a celebration of individuality and self-assurance.
5. “I Am Offering This Poem” by Jimmy Santiago Baca: Baca’s poem reflects on the value of simple gifts and gestures amidst adversity, echoing themes of resilience and celebration found in Clifton’s work. It emphasizes the power of love and human connection in sustaining the spirit during difficult times.

Suggested Readings: “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

1. Clifton, Lucille. “won’t you celebrate with me.” Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/50974/wont-you-celebrate-with-me.
2. Poem Analysis. “‘won’t you celebrate with me’ by Lucille Clifton – Poem Analysis.” Poem Analysis, https://poemanalysis.com/lucille-clifton/wont-you-celebrate-with-me/.
3. Poetry Everywhere. “Poetry Everywhere: ‘won’t you celebrate with me’ by Lucille Clifton.” YouTube, uploaded by Poetry Everywhere, 3 Sept. 2009, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM7q_DUk5wU.
4. Clifton, Lucille. An Ordinary Woman. Random House, 1974.
5. Clifton, Lucille. Good Woman: Poems and a Memoir 1969-1980. BOA Editions, 1987.
6. Clifton, Lucille. The Collected Poems of Lucille Clifton 1965-2010. BOA Editions, 2012.

Representative Quotations from “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“won’t you celebrate with me”	Invitation to the reader to join in celebrating the speaker’s life and accomplishments	Feminist Theory: highlights the speaker’s desire for community and solidarity
“born in babylon / both nonwhite and woman”	Speaker’s identity and experiences as a nonwhite woman in a society shaped by colonialism and oppression	Postcolonial Theory: emphasizes the impact of colonialism and marginalization on the speaker’s life
“i had no model. / i made it up”	Speaker’s emphasis on self-creation and agency in shaping their own life	Existentialist Theory: highlights the speaker’s responsibility and freedom in creating their own life
“here on this bridge between / starshine and clay”	Speaker’s navigation of idealism and harsh reality	Symbolic Theory: uses the bridge as a symbol of the speaker’s balancing act between hope and reality
“something has tried to kill me / and has failed”	Speaker’s resilience and survival in the face of adversity	Trauma Theory: highlights the speaker’s experiences of trauma and their ability to survive and thrive

Note:

• Feminist Theory analyzes the poem’s exploration of gender and intersectionality.
• Postcolonial Theory examines the poem’s references to colonialism, oppression, and marginalization.
• Existentialist Theory looks at the speaker’s emphasis on self-creation, agency, and responsibility.
• Symbolic Theory interprets the poem’s use of symbols and imagery.
• Trauma Theory examines the poem’s exploration of trauma, survival, and resilience.