How Do Poets Convey Thier Sence of Culture and Tradition

How do the poets convey their sense of culture/tradition/identity?

Poets can convey their sense of culture, tradition or identity by using various ranges of dialect, metaphors or rhythm. Using dialect shows a sense of tradition and culture and is really gives a good effect on the readers it also gives the poem rhythm. Metaphors and similes convey a sense of identity by saying they are or are like something. They both make poems more interesting and communicate their own sense of self.

In the poem “Still I Rise” Maya Angelou shows a lot of hope and optimism, “I’m a black ocean leaping wide.” Oceans are usually black during a thunderstorm and she is trying to say she is going through some difficult times but she still has hope as is leaping wide. It is a very effective metaphor and really shows her identity. In the poem “Stereotype” by John Agard is very proud of being who he is, “I’m fullblooded West Indian stereotype.” This shows he has a lot of self-respect and is proud of who was born to be. Maya Angelou try’s to look on the bright side, “That a laugh like I’ve got gold mines diggin’ in my own back yard.” This shows she puts a positive spin on life and try’s not to let anything get her down.

In Still I Rise Maya Angelou stands up for herself against those who have attacked her, “Leaving behind nights of terror and fear, I rise.” This shows she is trying to forget her childhood atrocities and become a new person and not dwell on the past. In Stereotype John Agard challenges the stereotype, “That’s why I graduated from Oxford University with a degree of anthropology.” Although he knows he is everything in the stereotype but he is smart enough to graduate at Oxford University which everyone wasn’t expecting. Maya Angelou is very determined, “You may trod me in the very dirt, but still like dust, I’ll rise.” This shows she will not be put down no matter what you do or say.

Maya Angelou shows determination and strength, “You may kill me with your...