Literature Review- Lily Gruber by Lily Gruber

Literature Review

lgruber15 — 2025-02-27 18:24:08 UTC

This semester has brought lots of new literature to my knowledge. I have read poems and journals and books from a wide range of authors. Here is a compilation of some of my favorites.

"Still I Rise" Maya Angelou

lgruber15 — 2025-02-27 18:36:12 UTC

Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise" is an extremely powerful and moving poem about rising above oppression and discrimination with confidence. Angelou uses powerful imagery and repetition of the phrase "I rise" to emphasize her power and pride. This poem underscores the importance of resilience and strength while dealing with adversity.

XuXi "Famine"

lgruber15 — 2025-02-27 19:09:24 UTC

"Famine" by XuXi is a story about hardship and it is told by the protagonist who grew up with her family in Hong Kong and dealt with starvation. Once she moves to the states, she is able to have the freedom to enjoy as much food as she wants. The main themes are joy and sorrow throughout the writing. This was an influential piece and one of my favorites that we read this semester.

"The Piano Lesson" August Wilson

lgruber15 — 2025-02-27 19:16:24 UTC

The Piano Lesson, by August Wilson, explores many different themes including family roles, heritage, and sentiments. The story follows siblings Berneice and Boy Willie in their journey and conflicts to gaining their ancestors special heirloom, a piano. The piano holds extreme historical and sentimental value. The piano symbolizes the ancestors legacy. Berneice portrays themes of holding on to familial heritage and honoring their legacy, while Boy Willie argues it is more important to use the piano as a way to move on and strive for a better future