What is the meaning of the poem The Lesson by Maya Angelou?

Answer 1

It is about addiction and how it seems giving up the vice is taking away your freedom to do what you want. When in fact, giving up what is bad for you actually gives you more freedom and the ability to reach higher.

Answer 2

Maya Angelou uses a contradiction to make her point and reveal things about the character. By the end of the poem, the reader will notice that the more the character endures hardship the more she loves to live most people would think of life and death as two opposite things. However, when the character says "they dull my eyes, yet I keep on dying, because I love to live" she is explaining that in her reality life and death exist together. Angelou, in her powerful poetry and use of metaphors ties together two things that are obvious contradictions to make a comparison. She likens the pain, suffering, aging, and losses in life to actual death. Pain and death don't become a reason to avoid living, but are a necessary part of the reality of life. The character does not avoid learning the lesson of pain and death. The love of living is the reason that she endures challenge.

Answer 3

"The Lesson" by Maya Angelou emphasizes the importance of inner strength, resilience, and self-worth. The poem encourages readers to rise above challenges and to find strength within themselves, even when faced with adversity. It serves as a powerful reminder to never underestimate one's own worth and potential.

Answer 4

money over evey thing