Poem Analysis - Call Letters Mrs V B

An Affirmation of Life: Introduction to "Call Letters: Mrs. V. B."

Maya Angelou's "Call Letters: Mrs. V. B." is a short but powerful poem that celebrates resilience and an unwavering embrace of life. The poem's tone is confident and declarative, a testament to the speaker's determination. There's a shift from external pursuits like sailing ships and loving men to a deeper commitment to life itself, culminating in a defiant rejection of failure. This progression reveals a strengthening of the speaker's inner resolve as the poem unfolds.

The Unflinching Spirit: Themes of Acceptance and Defiance

One central theme is acceptance. The speaker readily agrees to "sail" ships and "love" men, demonstrating an open willingness to engage with the world. This theme is developed through direct, assertive statements: "Sure I'll sail them," "Yes I'll love them," and "’Course I'll live it." Another interwoven theme is resilience. The speaker is not just passively accepting; she's actively choosing to participate, even with the potential for hardship. This is subtly underscored by the conditionals – "If it'll float," "If they've got the style" – which suggest a discerning approach but not a deterrent to engagement. Finally, the poem culminates in a powerful act of defiance against the notion of failure, rejecting it completely as a concept the speaker refuses to acknowledge.

Sailing, Smiling, and Spelling: Symbolic Representation of Life's Opportunities

The poem uses simple but potent imagery. The "ships" symbolize opportunities and adventures. The speaker's willingness to "sail them" represents a willingness to take risks and explore new horizons. The "style" that makes the speaker "smile" suggests a desire for connection and joy in relationships. The need for "breath" to "live" underscores the fundamental importance of life itself. Perhaps the most striking image is the inability to "spell" "Failure." This isn't just about illiteracy; it's a deliberate rejection of the concept. The speaker is not simply unaware of failure; she actively chooses to erase it from her vocabulary and, by extension, her experience.

A Name of One's Own: The Significance of "Mrs. V. B."

The title, "Call Letters: Mrs. V. B.," adds another layer of interpretation. The "call letters" suggest a personal identifier, a way to be recognized and addressed. "Mrs. V. B." implies a certain level of maturity and experience. The initials, rather than a full name, lend an air of mystery while also suggesting a woman who owns her identity. What, however, are the call letters for? This may represent a recognition of oneself. It could also be referring to the expectation and societal views of a woman being able to accept and live through life. Angelou may be playing with the idea that to be recognized, or called, one must be ready to fulfill some part of their fate.

A Legacy of Strength: Concluding Thoughts

"Call Letters: Mrs. V. B." is a concise yet deeply resonant poem about embracing life's challenges with unwavering confidence. Through simple language and evocative imagery, Angelou crafts a portrait of a woman who refuses to be defined by limitations or the fear of failure. The poem's power lies in its directness and its celebration of the human spirit's capacity for resilience. Ultimately, the poem serves as an inspiring call to action, urging readers to approach life with the same fearless determination and unwavering self-belief exemplified by "Mrs. V. B."