Phenomenal Woman (Maya Angelou poem) Essay Questions

How does “Phenomenal Woman” challenge societal stereotypes?

The poem challenges societal definitions of a woman’s beauty by featuring a powerful female speaker who is proud of her atypical charms. She describes her physical attributes, her mannerisms, and her personality with great pride and is amused by the effect she has on both men and women. Her attitude both mocks and defies society’s beauty conventions, as her jubilant spirit implies that she is humored by other people’s jealousy and curiosity and could care less about their criticisms.

How does the poem reflect Angelou’s own life?

As the poem is written in the first person, one may argue that it challenges the cultural stereotypes of African-American women that Angelou had to endure throughout her life. If one assumes that some of the men and women described in the poem are white, the speaker is in fact defending the beautiful and unique attributes of a black woman that are frowned upon by racists. Through this poem, Angelou speaks up to her oppressors and any others who might challenge the beauty and dignity of black people.