“Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.”

Maya Angelou is considered one of the best African-American poets.  Her excellence had made her an icon and a role model.  Maya Angelou’s work covers a variety of topics, which includes the fight for civil rights, gender equality, and racism.  Even after her death, Angelou’s voice and thoughts are still serving as an inspiration. In times when women are still denigrated they should be remembered how phenomenal they are. 

One of the most popular and influential poems of her authorship is titled “Phenomenal Woman”.  Throughout this poem, she is trying to teach a lesson to society and women their selves.  Women are much more than body! Women’s beauty is composed by a mixture of aspects, each one unique, and each one a mystery! The lines of this poem are suggesting that the beauty of a woman depends more on how they feel about themselves.

In this poem, Angelou is communicating with us using a convincing, assertive and self-confident tone.  The poem shows how she has overcome many obstacles thanks to her self-esteem.  She also proposes that you get stronger with confidence.  This strength can serve to fight against stereotypes and other society problems.  By the development of the poem, the reader starts to feel her power and enchantment.  At the end, you feel that you have what it takes to face life and all its prejudices. 

The author uses many elements of poetry to develop her main purpose.  Imagery plays an important role in this particular poem.  The imagery on this poem helps us to visualize a strong, confident woman.  The author really wants to emphasize her purpose by repeating multiple times the lines: “Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.”  The line length used in this poem also helps to emphasize her message.  However, it does not have a specific rhyme scheme.

 “Phenomenal woman” by Maya Angelou is a literary work that recalls for women rights (feminism) but also for self-confidence.  She also stands out the importance of beauty on the inside.  Angelou clearly states that her inner beauty and confidence makes her a sensual and attractive woman.  The personality and intelligence of women gives them power and control.  In times of crisis, we need all women to know how important they are to society.  Phenomenally! Phenomenal women!  Brilliant women! That is what we need.