Points of View

All points of view can be pointed out within this collection. The author uses each in a different way to draw the reader in and communicate the feelings of the poem.

First person point of view, told from the perspective of the narrator, using "I" and "me," can be seen in poems such as "Still I Rise," "Phenomenal Woman," and "A Conceit." Though the author is a woman, the reader should not assume that all narrators or speakers within the poem are women. While some, such as "Phenomenal Woman," obviously are, others are more ambiguous. The use of an unknown "I" applies the poem to a larger audience. Even the love poetry can be considered from either a male or a female point of view.

"A Zorro Man," "The Couple," and "John J." show varying types of third person. Which type of third person is often...