Morfologi vol 2 no 5 Oktober 2024 hal 187-193 - Analisis Makna Leksikal dan Kontekstual Puisi "Still I Rise"

Aug 20, 2026

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This study examines the lexical and contextual meanings of selected lines in Maya Angelou’s poem "Still I Rise". Using a qualitative approach, the research first derives dictionary-based meanings of key words and then interprets how those meanings shift within the poem’s textual environment. The contextual analysis situates the poem in the broader historical and cultural setting of Angelou’s life and the civil rights era. Findings show Angelou’s language reinforces defiance and self-worth while resonating with the socio-political climate of its time.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Background of Study

Aim of the Research

Theoretical Review

Lexical Meaning

Contextual Meaning

An Analysis Of The Lexical and Contextual Meaning Of The Poem "Still I Rise" By Maya Angelou Siti Armelia Hamidah1*, Anggit Laesa Oktaviani2 1-2Sekolah Tinggi Bahasa Asing Technocrat,Indonesia [starmeliahamidah@gmail.com](starmeliahamidah@gmail.com1)[1](starmeliahamidah@gmail.com1)*,[Laesaoktavia@gmail.com](Laesaoktavia@gmail.com2)[2](Laesaoktavia@gmail.com2) Alamat: Jl. Syeh Mubarok, Kadu Agung, Kec. Tigaraksa, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15720. [Author correspondence :](Author correspondence : starmeliahamidah@gmail.com)[ ](Author correspondence : starmeliahamidah@gmail.com)[starmeliahamidah@gmail.com](Author correspondence : starmeliahamidah@gmail.com)* Abstract. This study looks at the meanings of words and their context in Maya Angelou’s poem "Still I Rise. " This poem is well-known for its message of strength and empowerment, especially for African American women during the civil rights movement. Using a qualitative approach, this research combines examining the text and interpreting its context. The lexical analysis looks at dictionary definitions of important words in the poem and their deeper meanings within the poem’s context. The contextual interpretation places the poem within the larger historical and cultural background of Angelou's life and the civil rights era. The findings show that Angelou’s use of language not only strengthens the poem’s themes of defiance and self-worth but also deeply connects with the socio-political climate of its time. The study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the lexical and contextual meanings of some of the lines in Angelou's literary work "Still I Rise" as well as in discussions of race, identity and empowerment. Keywords: Maya Angelou, "Still I Rise", Lexical Meaning, Contextual Meaning . Abstrak. Studi ini melihat arti kata-kata dan konteksnya dalam puisi Maya Angelou "Still I Rise. " Puisi initerkenal dengan pesan kekuatan dan pemberdayaannya, terutama bagi wanita Afrika-Amerika selama gerakan hak-hak sipil. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, penelitian ini menggabungkan memeriksa teks dan menafsirkan konteksnya. Analisis leksikal melihat definisi kamus dari kata-kata penting dalam puisi dan maknanya yang lebih dalam dalam konteks puisi. Interpretasi kontekstual menempatkan puisi dalam latarbelakang sejarah dan budaya yang lebih besar dari kehidupan Angelou dan era hak-hak sipil. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan bahasa Angelou tidak hanya memperkuat tema pembangkangan dan harga diri puisi tetapi juga sangat terhubung dengan iklim sosial-politik pada masanya. Studi ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pemahaman yang lebih dalam tentang makna leksikal dan kontekstual dari beberapa baris dalamkarya sastra Angelou "Still I Rise" serta dalam diskusi tentang ras, identitas, dan pemberdayaan. Kata kunci: Maya Angelou, "Still I Rise", Makna Leksikal, Makna Kontekstual. 1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” is one of the most esteemed works in American literature. The poem has become an icon for its portrayal of resilience and empowerment, particularly within the context of African American women’s experiences during the civil rights movement. The background of this poem is influenced by Angelou’s personal experiences and the collective struggles of African Americans against racial discrimination and injustice. In this context,“Still I Rise” not only stands as a beautiful literary piece but also as a declaration of courage and steadfastness in the face of oppression. Related studies have extensively discussed the lexical and contextual meanings in Angelou’s poetry. However, most research tends to focus on thematic and rhetorical analysis without deeply connecting it to the historical and cultural context. Previous studies, such as those by Brennan (2020) and Dobbs (2019), examine the rhetorical strategies in this poem but do not specifically highlight how the lexical meanings of certain words can change within the poem's contex

FAQs

What does the lexical analysis in the study focus on?

It focuses on dictionary-based meanings of important words in the poem, then considers how these words carry deeper meanings within the poem’s context.

How does contextual meaning contribute to the interpretation of the poem?

It explains how words and phrases function within the broader text framework, supported by historical background and cultural significance.

What is the main goal of the research on "Still I Rise"?

To reveal how Angelou’s word choices strengthen themes of resilience and empowerment and reflect the socio-political conditions of the time.

Aug 20, 2026

Upload by Patrick