WHEN GREAT TREES FALL

- Maya Angelou
 About the poet!!

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She
was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri. Her early life was marked by
hardship and trauma, including being sexually assaulted at a young age, which influenced
much of her writing and activism.

The Poet, activist, and scholar Maya Angelou was a world-famous author. She was best
known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style. Her life was a tapestry
woven with the threads of history, culture, and personal experience. Angelou was also
noted for her talents as a singer and dancer, particularly in the calypso and cabaret styles. In
the 1950s, she performed professionally in the US, Europe, and northern Africa, and sold
albums of her recordings.

In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the
country’s highest civilian honour. It was a fitting recognition for Angelou’s remarkable and
inspiring career in the arts.
Angelou died on May 28, 2014. Several memorials were held in her honour, including ones
at Wake Forest University and Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco. To honour her
legacy, the US Postal Service issued a stamp with her likeness on it in 2015.
Maya Angelou’s life was a tapestry woven with the threads of history, culture, and personal
experience
 More about the poem
SUMMARY
The civil rights activist Maya Angelou wrote "When Great Trees Fall" [collected in Angelou's
1990 book of poems, “I Shall Not Be Moved.”] in 1987 after the death of her friend and
fellow writer/activist James Baldwin. When Great Trees Fall" is a poem that mourns the loss
of significant figures who have had a profound impact on our lives. The title itself uses the
metaphor of "great trees" to represent these influential individuals. Just as a great tree
falling leaves a noticeable absence in the landscape, so too does the passing of these figures
create a void in our lives.

The speaker describes what happens when huge trees collapse: the impact shakes rocks on
the top of faraway hills, makes lions crouch low in the field, and even prompts elephants to
trundle along in search of shelter. When these huge trees collapse in the woods, little
creatures curl up in silence, too shocked to even be scared.

The deaths of exceptional people have a similar impact on humanity. In their absence, the
air itself feels flimsy, scarce, and devoid of life. We gasp and see things with a sudden burst
of sharp, painful clarity. We don't go crazy, exactly; it's more that our minds are diminished,
returned to the unspeakable crudeness of the stone ages.

We do eventually begin to feel a sense of peace, though this comes in fits and starts rather
than all at once. The emptiness created by the loss of these people begins to fill up with a
charged, comforting hum. The numbness fades and we're able to perceive the world again,
though we'll never experience things as we did before this loss.

In Maya Angelou's poem "When Great Trees Fall," the theme of transformation and renewal
is depicted through the metaphor of influential figures as great trees. Their passing
symbolizes loss but also the emergence of new growth and the continuation of their legacy.
The poem highlights the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing the resilience of the human
spirit and the enduring impact of those who leave a lasting imprint on the world.

Overall, "When Great Trees Fall" is a profound meditation on loss, memory, and the
enduring power of legacy. It combines vivid imagery with universal themes to evoke a sense
of both sorrow and reverence for those who have left an indelible mark on our lives and
society.
“When Great Trees Fall,” one of her most renowned poems, reflects the
historical and cultural context of Angelou’s life, intertwining themes of
resilience, loss, strength, and the enduring legacy of influential figures.
Let’s delve deeper into how these elements influenced the poem:

1) Historical Context: Maya Angelou’s formative years were marked by

the tumultuous events of the 20th century, including the Great
Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. Growing up in
the Jim Crow South, Angelou witnessed firsthand the deep-rooted
racism and segregation that pervaded American society. These historical
realities deeply influenced her perspective on identity, equality, and
justice, which is evident in “When Great Trees Fall.”

2) Cultural Context: As an African American woman navigating a society

rife with systemic injustices, Maya Angelou grappled with issues of race,
gender, and power throughout her life. Her experiences as a black
woman in America informed her understanding of resilience and
strength in the face of adversity. “When Great Trees Fall” resonates with
the cultural heritage of the African American community, drawing upon
themes of collective struggle, endurance, and the power of resilience
passed down through generations.

3) Personal Experience: Maya Angelou’s personal journey, marked by

triumphs and tribulations, serves as a wellspring of inspiration for her
poetry. From overcoming childhood trauma and discrimination to
finding her voice as a writer and activist, Angelou’s life story is a
testament to the resilience of the human spirit. “When Great Trees Fall”
reflects Angelou’s own experiences with loss and grief, as well as her
unwavering belief in the transformative power of love and community.
Themes and Imagery
1. Resilience: Throughout her life, Maya Angelou embodied resilience in the
face of adversity. In “When Great Trees Fall,” the imagery of trees serves as a
metaphor for resilience, symbolizing the ability to withstand storms and
hardships while remaining rooted in one’s convictions. The poem suggests that
even in the darkest of times, there is strength to be found in the resilience of the
human spirit and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

2. Loss and Grief: The theme of loss permeates “When Great Trees Fall,”
reflecting Angelou’s experiences with personal and collective grief. The imagery
of trees falling evokes a sense of mourning for the departure of significant
figures, echoing the loss of influential leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin
Luther King Jr. The poem acknowledges the pain of separation and the void left
behind by those who have passed, while also celebrating their enduring impact
on the world.

3. Strength and Empowerment: Maya Angelou’s poetry often

celebrates the strength and resilience of marginalized communities, particularly
African Americans. In “When Great Trees Fall,” the imagery of trees standing tall
amidst the chaos and turmoil represents the indomitable spirit of resilience and
empowerment. The poem serves as a reminder that even in the face of
oppression and injustice, there is power in unity, love, and collective action.

4. Legacy and Continuity: At its core, “When Great Trees Fall” is a reflection
on the enduring legacy of influential figures and the ripple effect of their actions. Maya
Angelou pays homage to those who have left an indelible mark on the world,
acknowledging their contributions and the lasting impact of their presence. The poem
suggests that while individuals may come and go, their legacies continue to inspire and
guide future generations, ensuring that their spirit lives on.
 Elements of the poem
1) Metaphorical Imagery: The metaphor of “great trees”
falling symbolizes the deaths of influential individuals who have
left a profound impact on society. The image of trees conveys
strength, resilience, and interconnectedness with nature,
reflecting Angelou’s deep spiritual connection to the natural
world.

2) Legacy of Prominent Figures: The poem speaks to the

enduring legacy of influential figures, such as civil rights leaders,
activists, and artists. Their deaths spark widespread grief and
reflection on their contributions to social justice and human
rights.

3) Nature Imagery in African American Culture:

Angelou’s use of nature imagery, such as “great trees,” reflects
her African American heritage and cultural traditions. In African
American culture, nature often symbolizes resilience, renewal,
and spiritual sustenance, offering solace in times of hardship and
adversity.

“Maya Angelou's legacy continues to inspire generations through her

powerful writing, advocacy for social justice, and unwavering
determination to confront and overcome adversity. Her works remain
influential and widely studied in literature, history, and social justice
courses around the world.”

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