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 rise 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.
Understanding “Phenomenal Woman”
“Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou is a powerful and celebratory poem first published in 1978. It is a cornerstone of feminist literature, offering a bold redefinition of beauty and female empowerment. Originally penned as an appreciation of a confident woman, the poem has resonated with readers for generations, becoming a testament to the inherent strength and allure of women. The poem challenges conventional beauty standards and champions self‑acceptance.
Central Ideas and Themes
The poem’s core message revolves around the idea that true beauty isn’t defined by superficial characteristics or societal expectations. Instead, it stems from a woman’s inner confidence, her grace, and her ownership of her own sensuality. Angelou emphasizes that a phenomenal woman possesses a captivating essence that transcends physical appearance. The major themes are self‑confidence, celebrating individuality, challenging beauty standards, and female empowerment.
In‑Depth Analysis of the Poem
Stanza 1: Defining Beauty Beyond the Superficial
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.
Angelou immediately establishes a contrast between conventional beauty and her own definition. The opening lines reveal that others question the source of her appeal because she doesn’t conform to traditional standards. The repetition of “I say” introduces the speaker’s voice and underscores her assertion of self‑worth. Instead of focusing on delicate features, she emphasizes the power and grace of her physical form—“the reach of my arms, the span of my hips, the stride of my step.” These are not conventionally celebrated attributes, but Angelou presents them as the very essence of her allure. The stanza’s closing, “I’m a woman, Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me,” affirms her identity and confidence.
Stanza 2: Commanding Presence and Captivating Allure
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.
This stanza portrays the speaker’s magnetic presence and the effect she has on others. The imagery of men “stand or fall down on their knees” and “swarm around” like a hive of honey bees is hyperbolic, but it powerfully conveys her captivating effect. Angelou doesn’t suggest she seeks male validation; rather she demonstrates the natural allure that stems from her confidence and self‑possession. The “fire in my eyes,” “flash of my teeth,” and “joy in my feet” are not just physical attributes; they are expressions of her vitality and inner strength. Again, the concluding lines reaffirm her identity: “I’m a woman, Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.”
Stanza 3: Inner Mystery and Unseen Beauty
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 rise of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
This stanza delves into the enigma of the speaker’s appeal. Men are “wondering what they see,” but they are unable to fully comprehend her essence. The “inner mystery” suggests a depth and complexity that transcends superficial understanding. Angelou emphasizes that beauty is not simply about physical appearance, but about a certain quality of being. The “arch of my back,” “sun of my smile,” and “rise of my breasts” are all expressions of her inherent confidence and self‑assuredness. The repetition of “I say” highlights her agency and her refusal to conform to others’ expectations.
Stanza 4: Unbowed Head and Proud Stride
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.
The final stanza is a powerful statement of self‑respect and pride. The speaker explains that her confidence is the reason “my head’s not bowed.” She doesn’t need to resort to loudness or attention‑seeking behavior to command respect. Instead, she carries herself with quiet dignity and self‑assuredness. The imagery of “the click of my heels,” “the bend of my hair,” and “the palm of my hand” suggests a natural, effortless grace. The “need for my care” is a subtle but important point—self‑love and self‑respect are essential to maintaining one’s inner strength and beauty. The poem concludes with the confident affirmation: “’Cause I’m a woman, Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.”
Literary and Poetic Devices
- Metaphor: The entire poem can be viewed as an extended metaphor, comparing the speaker to a force of nature—powerful, captivating, and irresistible.
- Imagery: Angelou masterfully uses vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader, allowing them to visualize the speaker’s grace and allure (“the fire in my eyes,” “the click of my heels”).
- Repetition: The repetition of phrases like “I say” and “Phenomenal woman, That’s me” emphasizes the speaker’s agency and reinforces the poem’s central message of self‑affirmation.
- Hyperbole: The exaggeration in lines like “the fellows stand or fall down on their knees” emphasizes the speaker’s captivating effect on others.
- Anaphora: The repetition of “It’s in…” at the beginning of several lines in each stanza creates a rhythmic effect and emphasizes the various aspects of the speaker’s beauty and confidence.
- Free Verse: While the poem has a noticeable rhythm, it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern, allowing for a natural and conversational tone.
Quotable Lines
The following lines are particularly powerful and can be used for discussions about self‑esteem, body image, and female empowerment:
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
This excerpt embodies the power of quiet confidence and the importance of standing tall in the face of adversity. It’s a reminder that true strength comes from within.