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We, unaccustomed to courage by Maya Angelou — Analysis & Translation

2 min read English

Original Poem

We, unaccustomed to courage exiles from delight live coiled in shells of loneliness until love leaves its high holy temple and comes into our sight to liberate us into life. Love arrives and in its train come ecstasies old memories of pleasure ancient histories of pain. Yet if we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls. We are weaned from our timidity In the flush of love's light we dare be brave And suddenly we see that love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free.

Translation (English)

We, not used to being brave outcasts from happiness live wrapped in shells of loneliness until love leaves its sacred place and appears to us to free us into life. Love comes and brings with it joys old memories of happiness ancient stories of pain. But if we are brave, love removes the chains of fear from our souls. We are freed from our shyness In the glow of love's light we dare to be brave And suddenly we realize that love demands everything we are and will ever become. Yet it is only love that truly frees us.

About the Poet

Maya Angelou (20th Century)

Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, essayist, poet, and civil rights activist. Known for her autobiographies and poetry, she was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and worked with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Her works often explore themes of identity, family, and racism.

Read more on Wikipedia →

Historical Context

Literary Form
Free verse
When Written
20th Century
Background
The poem explores the transformative power of love, reflecting Angelou's broader themes of liberation and self-discovery. It is likely influenced by her experiences in the civil rights movement and her personal journey towards empowerment.

Sources: https://www.azquotes.com/quote/521707, https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/6129-we-unaccustomed-to-courage-exiles-from-delight-live-coiled-in?page=4, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Angelou

Detailed Explanation

This poem by Maya Angelou explores the transformative power of love. It begins by describing how people, unfamiliar with courage and isolated from joy, live in loneliness. Love is depicted as a liberating force that descends from its 'high holy temple' to free individuals from their shells of isolation. As love arrives, it brings with it both joy and the memories of past pleasures and pains. The poem suggests that love requires bravery, as it can dispel the fears that bind our souls. In the presence of love, people find the courage to be bold and realize that love demands everything they are and will become. Despite its cost, love is portrayed as the only force that can truly set us free, emphasizing its essential role in personal liberation and fulfillment.

Themes

  • Love
  • Courage
  • Liberation
  • Fear

Literary Devices

  • Metaphor: 'shells of loneliness' compares isolation to a protective shell.
  • Personification: Love is given human-like qualities, such as arriving and liberating.
  • Imagery: Vivid descriptions like 'high holy temple' create a visual sense of love's grandeur.
  • Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds, e.g., 'live coiled in shells'.

Word Dictionary

Word Meaning Translation Transliteration
unaccustomed not used to not familiar with uhn-uh-kuhs-tuhmd
exiles outcasts people who are separated from their home or happiness eg-zahylz
coiled wrapped twisted or wound around koyld
temple sacred place a holy or revered place tem-puhl
liberate free to set free lib-uh-reyt
ecstasies joys intense happiness ek-stuh-seez
timidity shyness lack of courage ti-mid-i-tee
flush glow a sudden rush or glow of emotion fluhsh

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