Poem Analysis - Seven Womens Blessed Assurance

Introduction: Confidence and Aging

Maya Angelou's "Seven Women's Blessed Assurance" is a vibrant and affirmative poem celebrating female self-perception and desirability across different ages and body types. The poem presents a series of seven distinct voices, each expressing confidence in their appeal to men. While the initial stanzas focus on youth and conventional beauty standards, the poem subtly shifts in tone towards an acceptance and even celebration of aging and the wisdom it brings. This creates a multifaceted portrait of womanhood that defies narrow definitions of attractiveness.

Theme of Self-Assuredness: Own Your Power

A central theme of the poem is self-assuredness and self-acceptance. Each stanza, spoken by a different woman, oozes confidence in her own unique appeal. Whether "little and low" or "tall" like a "string bean," each woman embraces her physical attributes. This theme is most powerfully illustrated through the use of strong, declarative statements. For instance, "One thing about me," or "Men see me, they ready to fall," establishes a tone of unwavering belief in one's own desirability. This confidence is not presented as arrogance, but rather as an earned understanding of their own value.

Redefining Attractiveness: Beyond Physicality

The poem subtly challenges conventional notions of beauty, broadening the definition of what makes a woman attractive. While the initial stanzas touch upon physical attributes, the later stanzas introduce intellect and experience as desirable traits. The woman who has "passed forty" and "dropped pretense" recognizes that men also seek intelligence and authenticity. This signifies a shift from a solely physical definition of attraction to one that values personality and maturity. The lines "cause men like women who got some sense" reinforces the idea that inner qualities are as, or even more, appealing than outward appearances.

The Imagery of Food: Sweetness and Nourishment

Angelou employs recurring imagery of food, particularly sweetness, to represent female desirability. The woman who is "fat as butter and sweet as cake" uses these images to convey her appeal. This imagery suggests that women are a source of pleasure and comfort. While "fat as butter" could be interpreted as a comment on body image, within the context of the poem, it serves to celebrate a woman's fullness and her capacity to bring joy. The use of food also hints at a sense of nourishment – women are not just attractive but provide emotional and physical sustenance.

Age as an Asset: Comfort and Companionship

The poem presents a unique perspective on aging, suggesting that older women possess an inherent appeal. The final stanza, spoken by a woman in her fifties, asserts that "fifty-five is perfect, so is fifty-nine." This is attributed to the idea that "every man needs to rest sometime." This stanza reframes aging not as a decline, but as a time of increased value and desirability. It suggests that men seek not just youthful beauty, but also companionship, understanding, and a sense of peace, qualities often associated with older women. The poem celebrates the idea that women become even more valuable as they age.

Conclusion: Enduring Appeal

"Seven Women's Blessed Assurance" is a celebration of female confidence and the multifaceted nature of attraction. By presenting a range of voices and perspectives, Angelou challenges narrow definitions of beauty and desirability. The poem emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, inner strength, and the enduring appeal of women across all ages and body types. Ultimately, the poem suggests that true attractiveness lies not in conforming to societal standards, but in embracing one's unique qualities and owning one's power.