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Essay / Symbolism In Still I Rise by Maya Angelou - 706
“Oil wells” (7), “gold mines (19) and diamonds (27) are all things that are very valuable and are listed in order of increasing value. This could symbolize how Maya's self-confidence throughout her life increased as she got older. Since all these objects are hidden inside the Earth and need to be discovered. This could be compared to the characteristics people possess that are hidden at first until you get to know someone. “Sassy” (5) and “sexy” (25) are two things that can be hidden in places like a “living room” (8) or “the meeting of my thighs” (28). The poem “Still I Rise” helps convey a message to people who inflict racism on others and to people who suffer from it. This also helps to combat the sexual discrimination of which women are sometimes victims. The poem explains how people don't always take others seriously and don't always hear what they have to say. To be seen for who a person really is takes dedication and courage. There is always a way to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward, even though it may be difficult.