General Overview of Literature Appreciation (Poetry Revision) - SS3 Literature Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Poem: Black Woman by Léopold Sédar Senghor

Theme: Celebration of Black womanhood

Literary devices: Senghor uses a variety of literary devices in Black Woman, including simile, metaphor, personification, and symbolism. For example, he compares the woman's lips to "coral reefs" and her breasts to "hills." He personifies the woman's hair, describing it as "a forest inhabited by spirits." And he uses the symbol of the Nile River to represent the woman's fertility and life-giving power.

Poetic form: Black Woman is written in free verse. This means that it does not have a regular rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Senghor to express his ideas in a more flowing and natural way.

Personal response: I find Black Woman to be a beautiful and empowering poem. Senghor's use of vivid imagery and powerful language celebrates the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black women. I am particularly moved by the line "Black woman, you are the source." This line reminds me that Black women are the foundation of our families and communities.