Still I Rise by Maya Angelou Literary Analysis Essay

In the poem ‘Still I Rise’ by Maya Angelou, the poet uses repetition, metaphors and similes to express to her audience about how she has overcome racism in her life through demonstrating a strong, proud and defiant attitude to inspire others. The poet uses repetition of the word ‘rise’ to show that she has overcome and risen above racism. In the line, ‘you may trod me in the very dirt but still, like dust ill rise’ it expresses to the reader one of the key ideas in her poem, that no matter how unjustly others may treat her because of her colour, she will not be defeated and will stand up again. The main symbol in that line is the rising dust. For dust to rise, it must be unsettled from the ground in order for it to leave and rise,†¦show more content†¦Another use of a metaphor in the last stanza relates back to the key idea of the poem. In the line, ‘I am the dream and the hope of the slave,’ Maya Angelou is directly comparing herself to what a slave dreams about, which is equality and freedom. She is calling herself the ‘ambassador’ of equal rights, and therefore stating herself as a leader who will make the first step to rise up against racism and fight for eq ual rights. This again shows her strong, powerful approach to overcoming racial inequality. Lastly, the use of similes in the poem effectively conveys the key idea further. In the simile, ‘Just like moons and like suns†¦still I’ll rise’, the poet is comparing herself to the moon and the sun, which are two very powerful things. The common phrase, ‘the sun will always rise tomorrow’ directly connects to this simile because by comparing herself to the sun, Angelou connotes to the reader she is certain that she will always ‘rise’ again tomorrow just like the sun, no matter what happens to her. By showing her determined and resilient attitude to not give in to oppressors through this simile, it strengthens the key idea of this poem. Further use of similes also helps to reveal Maya Angelou’s bold and powerful attitude, for example, when she says, â€Å"‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells pumping in my living room.’ By using this

Developmental Stages And Developmental Theories - 1004 Words

Developmental Stages and Developmental Theories There have been numerous studies on human development to explain how we function at different stages in our lives. These studies have looked at development from birth to adulthood. Researchers have wanted to know what makes individuals tick so that different methods can be applied to help individuals, in the current stage they are in, to realize their potential. In some cases it has to be up to the parents or teachers, specifically with the early development stages. There are two very prominent individuals, who looked at the developmental stages, and provided theories to explain an individual’s behavior and actions to their corresponding stage. For example, Jean Piaget, looked at four stages of cognitive development, and their importance in how individuals assimilate and accommodate to their given environments (Huitt Hummel, 2003). These four stages include; the sensorimotor stage, the pre-operational stage, the concrete o perational stage, and the formal operational stage (Ashford LeCroy, 2013, p. 318-319). Next, each of these stages are applied to specific age groups. The sensorimotor stage was designated to the ages of zero to two or infancy. The pre-operational stage was designated to the ages of two to eight or toddler to early childhood. The concrete operational stage was designated to the ages of eight to twelve or elementary to early adolescence. The formal operational stage was designated to the agesShow MoreRelatedThe Stages Of Cognitive Developmental Theory1629 Words   |  7 PagesPiagets stage theory is also known as the cognitive developmental theory. Constructivist perspective. No matter the name Piaget believed that children benefit most from concrete experiences or hands-on activities that allow the student to manipulate his or her environment in order to build knowledge based on interactions with the universe.(Mohammad,2012) Piaget believed knowledge is acquired in a set of st ages. There is 4 stages that knowledge is obtained. The first stage Sensorimotor occursRead MoreDevelopmental Stages And Theories Of Development861 Words   |  4 PagesDevelopmental Stages and Theories There are many areas in which an individual must develop to reach a mature level of adulthood. Several theories and ideas have been created in an attempt to describe the process that in which the individual passes to reach the desired levels of maturity. A few of those theories will be addressed in better understanding the development of Precious on a psychological and social plane. It can be assumed from observing Precious that she has been biologically developingRead MorePiaget s Theory On Stages Of Developmental Psychology1039 Words   |  5 Pagesdevelop into the best person they are meant to be.† ― Toni Sorenson Jean Piaget was a leader in the field of developmental psychology, the study of how people grow. Instead of continuing the Freud s work with psychoanalysis, as many psychologists and philosophers did at the time, Piaget stayed â€Å"closer to his teacher Pierre Janet s psychology† (Vidal) Best known for his theory on stages of cognitive development, Piaget was a great innovator and set up the foundation for today’s psychology and educationRead MorePiaget s Theory On Stages Of Developmental Psychology1180 Words   |  5 Pagesdevelop into the best person they are meant to be.† ― Toni Sorenson Jean Piaget was a leader in the field of developmental psychology, the study of how people grow. Instead of continuing the Freud s work with psychoanalysis, as many psychologists and philosophers did at the time, Piaget stayed â€Å"closer to his teacher Pierre Janet s psychology† (Vidal) Best known for his theory on stages of cognitive development, Piaget was a great innovator and set up the foundation for today’s psychology and educationRead MoreBowlby s Attachment Theory Stages Of Developmental1894 Words   |  8 PagesBowlby’s attachment theory Winnicott’s stages of developmental The following essay will aim to explore two developmental theories. It will also look at how they have become relevant in counselling and psychotherapy practice, how they should be helpful and offer support when a presenting issue occurs from a client, and how the counsellor will work in partnership with the client. The chosen theories are based on John Bowlby’s attachment theory and David Winnicott’s developmental theory. Bowlby John BowlbyRead MoreDevelopmental Stages And Theories From Birth From Adolescence1415 Words   |  6 PagesDevelopmental Stages and Theories from Birth to Adolescence Neurological Development According to the Urban Child Institute, the first three years of development are a crucial time for brain development. The human nervous system starts to develop at around day eighteen after conception (Carlson, 2014, p. 55). The brain stem is vital to instinctive functions, such as reflexes, breathing, and heart rate (Urban Child Institute , 2016). These are functions in the body that just happen without thinkingRead MoreErikson’S Theory Of Psychosocial Development Was The First1740 Words   |  7 PagesErikson’s theory of psychosocial development was the first theory that demonstrated the development from â€Å"womb-to-tomb.† His theory posited three tenets, the first that each era in life had a developmental crisis, and that at each period there was the opportunity for growth and development. Each developmental stage poses a developmental crisis that is central to that age, and as stated in Erikson’s second tenet, if there is an interruption in the dev elopment of one of the stages, the stages followingRead MoreDevelopmental Theories and How They Relate to Real Life Scenarios1468 Words   |  4 PagesDevelopmental Theories There are many theories on how a human develops. Most babies follow a certain pattern of development but the controversy is which person s developmental pattern of development is correct? Erik Erickson, Sigmund Freud and Jean Piaget s developmental theories are similar. Each of the theories goes through a human s development chronologically, giving a guideline of when certain developments happen. For example when a child is supposed to walk or when a child is going to speakRead MoreThe Theorist That I Chose To Write About Is Jean Piaget.1294 Words   |  6 Pages The theorist that I chose to write about is Jean Piaget. His theory deals with the nature of knowledge itself and how humans gradually come to acquire it. His theory is basically known as the developmental stage theory. In the developmental stage theory there are four different stages of the developmental theory: the sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational and formal operational period. Jean Piaget was born in Neuchà ¢tel (Switzerland) on August 9, 1896. He was the oldest child of ArthurRead MoreDevelopmental Influences And Considerations : A Case Study Of Sharon1466 Words   |  6 PagesDevelopmental Influences and Considerations: A Case Study of Sharon There are a variety of theories surrounding the development of human beings, and the correlation of these stages of development related to substance abuse and dependence, is critical for individualized and competent treatment strategies. Developmental theories, such as Erik Erikson’s Stage Theory, provide a general applicable progression by age, but also factors in biology, environment, and unique personality characteristics within

Labels Free Essays

Alex George-Hampton Hour: 3 Labels Some argue that labels are critical to language and communication. Labeling is describing someone or something in a short phrase or word. Labels can be used to represent good things, and help characterize people and things. We will write a custom essay sample on Labels or any similar topic only for you Order Now All languages use labels, because without them it would be very difficult to describe certain people or things. When explaining what someone looks like its almost impossible to not use labels. Short, tall, skinny, fat, longhaired, pretty, etc. are all labels. Without these types of labels we would have to use exact information to describe what a person looks like, instead of using a word or short phrase. Labels help simplify our social world, by reducing the amount of processing we do when meeting a new person The problem with labels is that they are based on assumptions. Labels are judgmental, and are created by opinions and beliefs. We willingly accept these labels as statements without evidence of them being true. These assumptions become stereotypes, which can become put-downs. Everyone is exposed to some form of labeling and stereotypes throughout his or her life. Labels quickly lead to name-calling and verbal abuse. Stereotypes are often based on race but can also refer to intelligence, religion, age, sexual orientation, etc. Most stereotypes are intended to give off a negative impression. Social categorization is developed from labels and stereotypes, which is a big reason for prejudice attitudes. Stereotypes are so common that it is likely to not even recognize them when they occur in everyday life. There are positive stereotypes, but negative stereotypes seem far more common. . A disadvantage to labels is that they make us ignore the difference amongst individuals, causing us to believe what isn’t necessarily true. Work cited: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Labeling_theory http://www. simplypsychology. org/katz-braly. html http://www. colorado. edu/conflict/peace/problem/stereoty. htm How to cite Labels, Papers

High Renaissance Art free essay sample

Well of Moses by Claus Sluter, is a well/portal that was placed in the chapel of a monastery. The Well of Moses is in the Chartreuse de Champmol in Dijon, France and was created between 1395 and 1406. The well is surrounded by Moses, sculpted with horns and five other biblical prophets that include David, Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zachariah. Moses being the most identifiable and referenced carries the plates containing the Ten Commandments. Adding a higher form of support are angels at each corner of the well. At one point, the wells base supported a sculpture of the crucified Christ and other New Testament characters. Sluters use of life like Jambs demonstrated a change for Early Renaissance. In Video 4, the painting Man in a Red Turban by Jan van Eyck, is a portrait of a man wearing a red head scarf, common for the time. The man is gazing upon the viewer with a stare that follows no matter what direction one is viewing the painting. We will write a custom essay sample on High Renaissance Art or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The mans face is that of a stern one, indicated by the stress shown in his Jaw. On the bottom of the golden frame the painter includes his name and date (October 21, 433) in Latin, Jan van Eyck made me. Also, etched into the frame in Greek symbols is the phrase, As I can. Although this famous painting has endured the test of time, it continues to deteriorate. In Video 4, Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is a painting any one could recognize. The painting was created ca. 1495 and 1498 for the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church in Milan, Italy. On plaster, (using oil and tempera), the painting recalls the Last Supper of Christ before his crucifixion. All twelve disciples are seated at one side of a long table with Christ at its center as if they were acting ut a scene from a play. The disciples are intensely discussing who will betray Christ as Judas is shown holding a bag of money, foreshadowing how this will end. Created around 151 5 and 1518, the Assumption of the Virgin by Titian (in Video 3) is an oil painting on wood featuring the ascending of the Virgin Mary into heaven. God floats above her with an angel on either side of him. The Virgin Mary, with her arms out stretched, is on a cloud surrounded by angels. Three angels from the bottom of the cloud seem to be lifting it up, attempting to assist Mother Mary in her scension. Viewing this miraculous event are the apostles. As they stand in rejoice of the Virgin Mary the clouds at the top of the painting seem to be opening. The Assumption of the Virgin is on display at the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice, Section 2 Donatellos relief sculpture David, (in Video 3) shows the biblical underdog in a whimsical light. The freestanding sculpture encouraged the resurrection of the nude figure in Art. Made in bronze, this famous sculpture was commissioned by the influential Medici family between 1440 and 1460. David is seen standing ontrapposto (a classical style where the weight of the subject is shifted to one foot showing a twist in form) with one foot on the decapitated head of Goliath as symbolism of the revival of Florence. Now located at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, the famous figure stands in triumph Just as Florence once did. In another sculpture of the biblical hero David (from Video 4), artist Michelangelo flaunts superior skill in sculpting this ongoing symbol of Florence during the Renaissance. David, the famous sculpture was commissioned by the Florence Cathedral building committee for the Signoria. The sculpture was made out of a block of marble between 1501 and 1504. The statue shows David in a contrapposto stance and gazing upon something. This focus seems to be unknown but it indicates David, pre-battle with Goliath. David is gazing upon his adversary. He stands in a concentrated pose with what seems to be his sling over his soldier. Michelangelo sculpts this image with such a life like features, enlarging his hands and feet to represent victory. By using the classical nude style, Michelangelo yields perfection that lasts beyond its time. Between Donatellos David and Michelangelds David there are similarities and differences. Both sculptures possess the style of the classical nude which seems to be a reoccurring style throughout the Renaissance. Donatellos sculpture revived this style, but Michelangelds sculpture perfected it. Both sculptures also have the hero standing in the contrapposto style where their weight is shifted to one foot. There are the similarities of subject and what the subject represents. Both of these sculptures agree that David was the representation of a new and improved Florence during the Renaissance. These sculptures also have differences that are a reflection of the artist and time. Donatellos sculpture shows David post-battle, positioned above the head of Goliath, but Michelangelds sculpture shows a more pensive David before his battle. Donatellos David is smaller and appears to have an immature physique in comparison to that of Michelangelds. This conveys Michelangelds David to be more inspirational, despite Donatellos David having already won the battle. Also the medium of which the sculptures are created from, are different. Donatellos sculpture s made of bronze and has obviously withered with time, but Michelangelds sculpture seams crisp and unmoved, forcing it to appear timeless. As shown in Video 3, Botticellis Birth of Venus was created between 1484 and 1486 Poliziano. Painted with tempera on canvas, the painting shows Zephyrus (god of the West-wind) carrying his wife Chloris (Goddess of flowers) while blowing Venus into existence. Venus stands contrapposto and nude in a cockle shell while Ponoma (goddess of fruitful abundance) comes to greet the goddess of love with an intricate cape. This all takes place on the shore of the island, Cyprus. Venus is the only figure portrayed in full nudity, uncommon for a woman during this time. Although the nudity is uncommon, the humanist approach to art allowed it to be acceptable during the Renaissance. In Video 4, the painting Venus of Urbino by Titian, is an eloquent oil painting on canvas created between 1536 and 1538. This Venetian painting shows a nude female fgure (later coined as Venus) reclining on her bed while one of her hands grips a flower. Titian uses deep colors such as the red of the bed and the green color of the utains behind Venus to bring the viewers attention to the flower she is holding. Near her feet lies a small dog nuzzled on top of her sheets. In the background there are two maiden like female figures. One of the female figures is looking over a chest with a large garment over shoulder, while the other is bent down reaching into the chest attempting to get a garment to clothe Venus. With this painting Titian begins the trend of the reclining female nude. Both paintings portray a nude female figure, one upright and the other reclining. Both of these displays of the nude female were innovative for their time. Both paintings also portray Nenus with a fgure attempting to clothe her. Venus is also the only nude figure in these paintings. Both of the Venus figures are also seen covering their genitalia with their hand. The showing of the female genitalia may have been too erotic for the times. In Birth of Venus the background of the ocean is flat opposed to the more dynamic paintings of the figures in the foreground, while in Venus of Urbino the landscape in the background is painted with the same dimension as the foreground. Although the portrayal of the nude female was evident n both of the paintings there is a difference in their position. While Botticellis Venus is standing contrapposto, Titians Venus is reclining. The reclining Venus and the dimensional style amplify the evolution of the Renaissance since the time of Boticellis. Section 3 In Video 4, Philosophy or commonly known as School of Athens is a painting by Raphael between 1509 and 1511. Within this painting is a great hall with several men, conversing in groups. On one side there are a group of philosophers led by Plato concentrating on the mystery of the world and on the other side, led by Aristotle re scientists and philosophers focusing on earth and humanity. That separation is one that is evident in todays society. With the recent government shut down it is the other side shares that of liberal values. Both sides claim to agree on one thing (despite their actions) that they want whats best for the American people. In the painting there seems to be a distinct separation and discussion, without resolution. The same can be said for the American government, but the people that are directly affected by the lack of progress arent ever portrayed.