Women

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Exploring the Question of Relationships in
“Phenomenal Woman”
By
Samantha Gregory

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the word phenomenon means a remarkable or outstanding person. A remarkable person is defined as someone worthy of notice, unusual or extraordinary (American Heritage Dictionary).

The poem, Phenomenal Woman, is a rhythmic self-description of what makes the speaker phenomenal or special. It is implied that both women and men want to know what it is about this woman that makes her different. This is an ordinary woman with extraordinary qualities, who can move the world around her and command dignity and respect. The poem is about the power an average woman has when she realizes how valuable she is simply because she is a woman, confidently. But does the poem leave some questions in the mind of the reader? How does being a phenomenon affect the way one relates to people? It is worth exploring the impact that being a phenomenal woman has on relationships both with others and herself.

This poem is speaks to both men and women, however, their curiosity about the subject is very:

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see

Both are in disbelief and must be convinced that what they perceive is true. She sought to explain just what it was about her that touched people and moved them when she came into the room. She describes her physical appearance is described in detail as well as the intangible attributes she possesses. She shows that being a phenomenal woman is a combination of things. It is both physical and, in a sense, spiritual. Her words are an anthem of strength that women sing about their own womanhood (Stark).

In speaking to the women in the poem, one can wonder what kind of women they were. Did they think themselves better than she or were they, perhaps, younger women who still had to discover their own sense of self and personal value? What kind of relationship did she have with her female audience? Did she, by explaining what made her a phenomenal woman draw them close to her in friendship? Did they desire to know how to be the kind of woman she claimed herself to be? Are they put off because of their own insecurities? Can the speaker, this phenomenal woman, become a mentor or teacher to those who desire to became a phenomenal woman like she is? These questions are obviously not answered in the poem, but if relationships are to be explored these questions must be considered, as relationships are important to everyone whether friendships with women or relationships with men.

The men in the poem where intrigued and attracted to this woman, but didn’t know exactly why. She wasn’t especially beautiful or glamorous, but there was something mysterious that drew them to her:

And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.

Does the mystery of this woman challenge them to find out more about her? Does it keep her at arms length, a kind of icon or image of perfection to be placed on a shelf to admire there? Does she intimidate the men? Can she ever have a real relationship with any of them? Will there be one courageous enough to want to look deeply into her soul, accept all that’s there and desire to have a life-long relationship with her? Most women desire the love and devotion of a man, but many men are unable to get past what they see and get to the heart of a woman unless she is perceived as grounded and approachable. This image of the phenomenal woman can be a barrier against any meaningful relationship she may desire, even the one she has with herself.

At first glance this woman seems quite confident in who she is. The way she walks, talks, and exerts confidence is evidence enough to prove that she is special. But what about who she is as a person on the inside? Is who she is clouded by how she is perceived? Is the label of phenomenal woman one she’s placed on herself or was it thrust upon her? Can she be allowed to feel anger, hurt, etc. or is that a part of the phenomenon? Can she truly be herself? She seems seek the approval of her audience when she says:

I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.

That statement says that she places high importance on what others think and may not be as confident as she makes herself out to be. Shouldn’t she be proud of her own self?
The author of the poem, Maya Angelou, in her article, In All Ways A Woman, says:

Women should be tough, tender, laugh as much as possible and live long lives.... and the woman warrior who is armed with wit and courage will be among the first to celebrate victory. (Angelou)

Is this a part the phenomenon? Does being tough, tender, and full of laughter provide the key to being the kind of woman that is phenomenal?
While it is perfectly fine to be a phenomenal woman one must consider the price to be paid in terms of relationships with others and more importantly to yourself. Can deep and lasting relationships with both men and women be found? Can a woman truly be herself and live under close scrutiny while sustaining the image of a phenomenal woman?


Works Cited
“Phenomenon.” American Heritage Dictionary. 4th ed. 2001.
“Remarkable.” American Heritage Dictionary. 4th ed. 2001.
Angelou, Maya. Maya Angelou: Poems. “Phenomenal Woman.” Bantam Books. 1986.
---. “In All Ways A Woman.” Sarah. 20 Sep. 2001 .
Stark, Monica. Rev. of Phenomenal Woman, by Maya Angelou. January Magazine. .

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