Critical Analysis on
“Equality” by Maya Angelou
Essay by Irish Joy R. Villamor
11 - Neon
This poem is titled “Equality”, written by Maya Angelou. Maya Angelou Maya Angelou was a
woman who overcame many challenges to become a renowned author, poet, and civil rights
activist. She was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1928. As a child, she
experienced racism and poverty, but she never let these experiences define her. Maya Angelou’s
“Equality” isn’t just a mere poem; but a call for justice. It’s a poem that spreads awareness, a
poem that wants people to know that everyone should be treated equally and fairly, no matter
who they are or where they come from. Angelou repeats, “Equality, and I will be free,” over and
over in the poem, indicating that by just the statement alone, Angelou believes that equality is
important for all people. The line shows that true freedom will be redeemed if and only, when
everyone is treated equally. The theme of the poem is what the poem focuses on, equality. It
emphasizes the importance of equality, regardless of their race or gender.
Maya Angelou’s poem “Equality,” raises the issues about racial and gender inequality. In each
line, she describes what she has gone through and what challenges she had faced in her desire for
equality. She used words that makes it memorable for readers to read to express her frustration
with being unnoticed and neglected by people. She also expressed her faith for people, in the
future, to achieve what she wanted to express in her poem, equality.
In the poem, Angelou’s style in presenting the issues was through the use of imagery and
powerful choice of words. She used metaphors to create images that help to convey her message.
In the word “shadow,” she used it to compare to herself to show her feeling of being unseen,
disregarded, and unheard. Likewise, Angelou was successful in persuading the audience
regarding the issues. She used her experiences to connect with the readers. She also used
powerful word and imagery to instill awareness and a call for action.
The issue being called on the poem is still seen ‘till this day. Although it is another generation, a
call for equality in all areas of life, including race, gender, economic status, and etc., are still in
dire need for equality. It may seem as though it is already implemented but, through this poem, it
made me realize that not all people have desire for equality. Not all people experience equality
and are still experiencing the harsh treatment race and gender inequality. Maya Angelou’s poem
tells us and raises awareness that we should fight for equality. We should stand up for what is
right and just. We should treat everyone with respect, regardless of their race, gender, economic
status, or any other factor. We should work together to create a more equal and a world for all.
