Analysis of Amanda Gorman’s Poem “We Rise”
Amanda Gorman’s poem ‘We Rise’ is a stirring work that celebrates female empowerment and solidarity. Through her words, Gorman calls upon women to support one another in their quest for social change, while also paying homage to the voices of earlier poets who have addressed similar themes.
Summary
Gorman opens the poem with a powerful reminder that the entire world is observing as women rise. Here, ‘rise’ signifies not only the idea of ‘progressing’ or ‘gaining power and success’ but also suggests a more profound notion of rising up, pushing for societal change through protest and activism. She emphasizes that women are ‘paving the way’ for transformative change, encouraging them to elevate one another and show the world that they are not just victims but victors—successful, triumphant, and resilient. Having broken their silence, these women are now boldly voicing their truths.
Gorman highlights that being a woman also involves advocating for the ‘most vulnerable’ among them—those who live in oppression without freedom. It is essential to support those who dare to speak out against their circumstances, thereby amplifying the voices of these courageous individuals. The poem acknowledges the risks involved, emphasizing that true change often requires immense bravery.
Through collective female solidarity, women can overcome their fears and collaborate to transform communities and even entire nations for future generations. Gorman calls upon world leaders to envision a society that transcends the present, recognizing where it needs to go rather than remaining stagnant. Women who stand for their beliefs can lead this charge, sparking movements that benefit all. The crucial takeaway is the importance of women empowering one another, uniting their efforts for a common cause.
Analysis
In ‘We Rise,’ Amanda Gorman crafts a powerful and uplifting message centered on female empowerment and unity. She delivered the poem at Variety’s Power of Women event, where she inspired the women present to rise and articulate their truths to those in power. The central theme revolves around women rising together, showcasing their strength and transformation from victims to victors.
Gorman’s poem deftly illustrates women’s resilience. In a striking metaphor, she likens the uncertainty of the future to the unpredictable nature of the wind, yet asserts the importance of knowing where it will blow, which symbolizes the foresight necessary for achieving justice and equality. Additionally, Gorman’s composition thoughtfully references other notable poets, particularly Black American women writers who faced dual challenges of gender and racial discrimination. The title ‘We Rise’ resonates with Maya Angelou’s iconic ‘Still I Rise,’ shifting focus from the individual narrative to a collective movement.
The near-rhyme of ‘open’ with ‘broken’ subtly echoes Audre Lorde’s poem ‘Coal,’ which also celebrates Black womanhood. The empowering tone found in both Angelou’s and Lorde’s works permeates Gorman’s poem, as she seamlessly integrates their legacies while promoting collaboration and unity among women in their pursuit of change.
Themes
A prominent theme in ‘We Rise’ is the idea of collective responsibility. Gorman emphasizes the necessity of uplifting and supporting fellow women, amplifying their voices to create an environment where everyone can flourish. This message intertwines with the call for leadership and change, as Gorman envisions a future where women lead, inspire, and create positive change while encouraging others to find their voices.
Ultimately, ‘We Rise’ serves as a fervent call to action, urging women to unite, empower one another, and strive for a brighter future together.
Form
The structure of ‘We Rise’ is also noteworthy. While the poem lacks a rigid rhyme scheme, Gorman employs rhyming couplets at various points, enhancing the rhythm and flow. For instance, the opening lines feature a rhyme between ‘eyes’ and ‘rise,’ while other instances of internal rhyme contribute to a melodic quality. Gorman strikes a balance between formal constraints and free verse, reminiscent of the rhythms found in rap and hip-hop. This creates a dynamic reading experience that engages the audience.
Other Techniques
Throughout ‘We Rise,’ Gorman skillfully utilizes anaphora—a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of words at the beginning of successive lines—to emphasize pivotal moments in the poem. For example, the repetition of ‘Today’ in the initial lines reinforces the urgency of her message.
While the poem may not be heavily laden with figurative language, the use of metaphors is significant. The imagery of dawn, daylight, and illumination symbolizes the brighter world that women can create together. The recurring motif of the wind not only represents the unpredictability of the future but also alludes to the well-known phrase ‘the wind of change,’ suggesting that women have the power to shape their destinies.