Bump d´bump Flashcards
Society
Angelou alludes to the bigger scope of universal problems. Such as…
drug addiction, poverty, and social discrimination
3 Big ideas:
- Angelou encourages us to be resilient and defiant in the face of marginalisation and belittlement
- Anger and frustration with the inevitable obstacles
- Hardships are a vital part for moral development
“Play me a game like Blind Man´s dance”
The central imagery of this metaphor is of the game, “Blind man´s dance”
“Blind man´s dance”
Is a traditional game that involves wearing a blindfold and being spun around. Consequently, you end up bumping into your surroundings due to your disorientation.
Deeper implication of “Blind man´s dance”
As this is a child´s game, Angelou could be expressing her concerns towards racism faced by young children.
Contextually, this links to Angelou´s works as an activist, and her previous childhood experiences of discrimination.
Poem: “Willie”
Alternatively, the D.I. of “Blind man´s dance” could portray….
the similarities adults have with children; we are all learning daily and facing new challenges in our lives.
“Bump d´bump bump bump d´bump”
The refrain, composed of the title, appears at the end of each stanza.
Metaphorically, the line establishes the central theme of the poem:
THAT RESTRICTIONS AND ADVERSITIES FACED IN OUR EVERY DAY LIFE, POSE AS CHALLENGES AS WE ATTEMPT TO NAVIGATE THROUGH LIFE
The onomatopoeic refrain, with is plosive alliteration of “b´s” serve to reinforce…
The painful knocks that life brings
“Play me” and “Blind my” are…
Imperative verbs that give the impression that other people are mocking the speaker. Or, that the speaker is inviting them in doing so.
This suggests that she is somewhat helpless as they toy with her.
“Blind my eyes with ignorance” (DEEPER IMPLICATION)
Angelou subverts social conventions by suggesting that navigating life with closed eyes might offer an easier path, devoid of discrimination and feelings of belittlement as a result from it.
“Ignorance”
The noun conveys the coping mechanism the black community has in avoiding hurtful comments. They try to dismiss racism.
“I´ll play possum and close my eyes”
The metaphor is a poignant exploration of African American´s emotional escapism and self-protection to unjust actions and hurtful comments.
The childlike attributes are further developed in the phrase,
“I´ll play like possum”. Linking to themes of innocence and vulnerability
The phrase, “…close my eyes”, highlights the black communities…
refusal in acknowledging certain truths and their desire to shut away unpleasant experiences.
They wish to fit into society and rid themselves of overwhelming sensations.
“Tell my life with a liquor sign”
The metaphor symbolises poverty and the associations society makes with alcohol and liquor being a major part of the lives of African Americans
The imperative verb, “Tell me”, comes across as…
passionate, with hints of frustration. Underlying this rage, however, there´s sadness as the speaker knows that no matter what she does, they will still manage to associate her life with liquor.
“Liquor sign”
The purpose of having a sign is to socially advertise a topic. In this case, the advertisement is to degrade the courage and dignity of African Americans, inflicting guilt and shame upon them.
This highlights the malice and hostility white people have against the black community.
Universal message of “Liquor sign”
Angelou urges society, (white people), to refrain form imposing derogatory assumptions upon black people. She emphasises the need to reject those traditions and views that inflicted harm upon African Americans.
