Poetry Outline: Chapter 11

Thesis: Maya Angelou utilizes different rhyme schemes in Woman Work to express her frustration with the role of women in society.

            Maya Angelou takes on most of the responsibilities of doing work in her house. Throughout the first stanza, the first and second line rhyme, the third and fourth line rhyme, etc. The poem begins with “I’ve got the children to tend/ The clothes to mend” (1-2). This type of rhyme scheme lends itself to the flow of the poem. The last word of a line rhymes with the last word of the next line, connecting those two ideas. The continuous feel that the rhyming brings mirrors Angelou’s feelings that her responsibilities are never ending. There is a shift in tone at line 15 which is made evident by a shift in rhyme scheme. In the last four stanzas, the last word in the second line and the last word in the fourth line rhyme. The tone shifts from agonizing about her work load to Angelou pleading to nature to let her rest. Her earnest cry not only demonstrates her love and appreciation for nature’s beauty and influence, but it also demonstrates the impact of her workload on her body and mind: “Fall gently, snowflakes/ Cover me with white/ Cold icy kisses and/ Let me rest tonight” (23-26). Angelou finds relaxation and comfort from tiring and strenuous days within nature. In the first stanza, the rhyme scheme adds to the upset and tired Angelou who never stops working and caring for her family. The rhyme scheme of the second half of the poem seems to slow down the speed of the poem, as a testament to nature’s peacefulness.