IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Voicing Oppression and Abuse: An Intersectional Feminist Reading of Figurative Language in Angelou’s “Still I Rise”

Dimas Satria Pranata (Sastra Inggris, FBS Universitas Negeri Semarang)
Ruly Indra Darmawan (Sastra Inggris, FBS Universitas Negeri Semarang)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study examines how figurative language in Maya Angelou's poem “Still I Rise” reflects the experiences of oppression and abuse endured by African-American or Black women. Using Bell Hooks' intersectional feminist theory of interlocking systems of oppression, such as racism, sexism, and classism, the analysis focuses on metaphor, simile, sarcasm, and repetition as literary tools of resistance. Using qualitative descriptive methods, this study identifies and interprets figurative devices in relation to Angelou's life experiences and the broader historical context of Black women’s marginalization. The results reveal that 19 instances of Angelou's figurative language, namely 8 metaphors, 6 similes, 4 sarcasms, and 1 repetition, not only assert identity and resilience but also reveal emotional, psychological, and systemic abuse disguised as cultural or historical narratives. This study contributes to feminist literary discourse by demonstrating how poetic language becomes a site of power and ideological resistance, affirming the enduring relevance of intersectional feminist perspectives in literary analysis.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...