Oprah recites "Phenomenal woman" by Maya Angelou

Summary

The transcript celebrates the strength and confidence of a phenomenal woman who embraces her beauty and individuality. She describes how her presence commands attention, likening the effect on men to a hive of bees drawn to honey. Her allure is not merely physical; it emanates from her inner mystery and self-assuredness. Despite attempts from others to decipher her essence, she asserts that her true power lies in being unapologetically herself. This poem underscores themes of self-empowerment and the celebration of femininity, inviting others to recognize and appreciate their own unique strengths.

Takeaways

• 😀 The poem emphasizes the strength and confidence of being a woman.
• 😀 It highlights the physical attributes that contribute to a woman's allure, such as arms, hips, and lips.
• 😀 The speaker identifies as a 'phenomenal woman,' showcasing self-empowerment.
• 😀 The poem portrays how the presence of a woman can captivate and command attention in a room.
• 😀 The metaphor of a 'hive of honey bees' symbolizes the attraction and admiration she receives from men.
• 😀 The poem explores the idea that true beauty and allure are rooted in inner confidence rather than physical appearance alone.
• 😀 It discusses how men often struggle to understand the inner mystery of a woman's appeal.
• 😀 The speaker’s joy and pride in her femininity are celebrated throughout the poem.
• 😀 The repeated assertion of being 'phenomenal' reinforces the message of self-acceptance and empowerment.
• 😀 The poem concludes with an inclusive tone, suggesting that all women share this inherent power and beauty.

Q & A

What does the speaker attribute her confidence to?

The speaker attributes her confidence to various physical traits, such as the reach of her arms, the span of her hips, the stride of her steps, and the curl of her lips.

How does the speaker describe her presence in a room?

She describes her presence as being 'cool as you please,' suggesting that she enters with confidence and ease, commanding attention from those around her.

What metaphor does the speaker use to describe the attention she receives from men?

The speaker compares the attention she receives from men to a 'hive of honey bees' swarming around her, indicating a magnetic and captivating quality.

What qualities does the speaker attribute to her femininity?

The speaker attributes her femininity to a combination of physical traits and an inner mystery that she believes men cannot fully comprehend.

What does the phrase 'phenomenal woman' signify in the context of the transcript?

The phrase 'phenomenal woman' signifies a strong, confident, and self-assured woman who embraces her identity and recognizes her own worth.

How do men react to the speaker's confidence?

Men either stand in admiration or fall to their knees, suggesting a mix of awe and submission to her powerful presence.

What does the speaker mean by 'inner mystery'?

The 'inner mystery' refers to the qualities of the speaker that are not easily understood or articulated, highlighting her unique allure and depth.

What emotional state does the speaker convey through her movements?

The speaker conveys joy and confidence through her movements, emphasizing that these feelings contribute to her overall presence.

What is the speaker's attitude towards men's attempts to understand her?

The speaker appears to be somewhat dismissive of men's attempts to understand her, suggesting that their efforts fall short of grasping her full essence.

How does the speaker's declaration of being a 'phenomenal woman' empower her?

By declaring herself a 'phenomenal woman,' the speaker asserts her identity and self-worth, empowering herself and encouraging others to recognize and celebrate their own uniqueness.