Semester 1 2026 - DUE 13 April 2026; 100% Correct
solutions and explanations.
SECTION A: REFLECTION: POETRY (UNIT 2)
Paragraph 1:
For this reflection, I have chosen the poem “Still I Rise” by Maya
Angelou from the prescribed list available in TL102. I selected this
poem because it strongly addresses themes of resilience, identity, and
the struggle against oppression, which are both historically significant
and personally meaningful. From my first reading, I was immediately
drawn to the confident and assertive tone of the speaker, who refuses to
be silenced despite the challenges she faces. My initial reaction was one
of admiration, as the poem expresses a sense of pride and determination
that is both inspiring and empowering. However, I was also surprised by
how bold and confrontational the language is in certain parts of the
poem. For example, lines such as “You may shoot me with your words”
and “You may kill me with your hatefulness” initially felt intense and
even uncomfortable. These expressions made me realise that the poem is
rooted in deep emotional pain and historical injustice. At first, I was
slightly confused by the repeated use of the word “you,” as it is not
clearly defined. However, after reflecting more carefully, I understood
that this “you” represents oppressors, critics, or society at large—those
who attempt to diminish the speaker’s identity and worth. This insight
helped me see that the poem is not just a personal expression, but also a
broader commentary on social inequality and resistance. Additionally,
the repeated declarations of “I rise” caught my attention, and although I
initially thought they were repetitive, I later recognised their importance
in reinforcing the poem’s central message of strength and perseverance.
Paragraph 2:
Two important poetic devices discussed in Unit 2 of TL501 that helped
me better understand this poem are repetition and metaphor. According
to Unit 2, repetition is used to emphasise key ideas, create rhythm, and