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.

Essay

Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” is a powerful poem that celebrates the beauty, confidence, and uniqueness of women, especially those who do not conform to traditional standards of beauty. The poem conveys a strong sense of self-acceptance and inner strength, highlighting the qualities that make a woman truly phenomenal.

The poet acknowledges that society expects women to be physically attractive in a specific way, like fashion models. The poet states that other women wonder why she is so confident and admired despite not fitting beauty stereotypes: "Pretty women wonder where my secret lies."

 However, she confidently asserts that her allure is not based on her appearance but on her presence, strength, and unique qualities.

“It's in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.”

Her beauty and strength come from the way she carries herself—her gestures, body language, and attitude.

Then, the poet describes how men are naturally drawn to her, fascinated by her presence. She attributes this attraction to her expressive eyes, radiant smile, and the joy she carries in her movements.

Next, Angelou emphasises that even men themselves struggle to understand what makes her so special.

"Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery."

She explains that her beauty is found in the way she carries herself—with grace, confidence, and elegance. Unlike conventional beauty, which can be easily defined, her "inner mystery" is something deeper—her self-assurance, intellect, and unique charm.

Finally, the poet proclaims her unwavering self-assurance. She does not need to seek attention through loud actions or words. Instead, her quiet confidence, care for others, and natural presence make her phenomenal.

"I'm a woman

 Phenomenally.

 Phenomenal woman,

 That's me."

This refrain serves as a declaration of self-confidence, identity, and empowerment. It reinforces the central theme of the poem: a woman’s beauty and strength come from within. It challenges conventional beauty standards and affirms that all women, regardless of physical appearance, are phenomenal. Thus, Maya Angelou’s "Phenomenal Woman" empowers women to embrace their uniqueness and recognize their worth beyond societal standards.

Explain with Reference to the Context

1."I'm a woman

 Phenomenally.

 Phenomenal woman,

 That's me."

Poet & Poem: These lines are taken from the poem "Phenomenal Woman" written by Maya Angelou, a renowned African American poet, activist, and author.

Context: In these lines, the poet asserts her self-confidence and pride in being a woman. The poem celebrates inner beauty, strength, and resilience, challenging conventional beauty standards.

Explanation: Maya Angelou expresses that her uniqueness and strength make her phenomenal. She does not conform to society’s traditional notions of beauty but defines her worth through her confidence, charm, and individuality. The repetition of "Phenomenal woman, That's me" reinforces her self-affirmation and encourages all women to embrace their true selves.

Remarks: The poem conveys themes of self-empowerment, self-love, and breaking stereotypes. These lines inspire women to recognize their inner strength rather than seeking external validation.

2. "It's in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips."

Poet & Poem: These lines are from the poem "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou, a celebrated Afro American poet and activist known for her themes of empowerment and resilience.

Context: the poet states that other women wonder why she is so confident and admired despite not fitting beauty stereotypes: "Pretty women wonder where my secret lies." The quoted lines are part of her response, explaining that her beauty and strength come from the way she carries herself—her gestures, body language, and attitude.

Explanation: Angelou emphasizes that her power and attractiveness lie in her natural movements and self-assured presence. The imagery in these lines—her arms, hips, stride, and lips—suggests both physical and emotional strength. These qualities reflect a deep self-confidence that captivates others.

Remarks: Angelou encourages women to embrace their unique identity rather than conforming to societal expectations.