Portrayal Of Gender Inequality Through Selected Poems Of Maya Angelou

Abstract

This study aims to identify the poems in The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou that are associated with the theme of “Gender Discrimination” and to examine how gender discrimination is portrayed in Maya Angelou’s selected poems. Gender discrimination refers to any unequal treatment based on gender. The data are taken from Maya Angelou’s selected poems, namely Caged Bird and Still I Rise. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method and applies expressive theory together with intrinsic and extrinsic approaches. The results show that gender discrimination is reflected in both selected poems. Caged Bird portrays a woman imprisoned by social stereotypes because of her gender. Still, I Rise presents a woman who faces gender-based prejudice but continues to rise. In conclusion, women face considerable gender discrimination; nevertheless, they do not give up and continue to rise with confidence.