Adversity In Kelly Clarkson's Still I Rise

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Many Americans are aware of the recent Olympic success of Simone Biles. After years of hard work and family challenges-not limited to foster homes and adoption- she overcame the struggles to earn two gold medals (USA Gymnastics). Adversity, also known as a difficulty or misfortune, occurs in all lives. Whether it be drug addictions, trouble at school, or a tragic loss, adversity can be overcome. Throughout life, struggles will occur, and “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”. Maya Angelou, an African American poet, penned a powerful and emotional poem titled “Still I Rise”. This poem depicts the hardships that accompany the speaker’s life, and in a defiant and hopeful manner, the speaker expounds upon the repeated motif of “I …show more content…

Written in 2010, Clarkson was living life, and after she heard the demo track for the piece, she loved it, recording the Top Fourty hit in 2011 (Waterman). Music has a magical ability to really pull on the heart strings, evoking emotion, sometimes without words. For example, Clarkson sings out, “what doesn’t kill you makes a fighter”, and even can make you “stand a little taller” (Clarkson). The song is in a major key, which alludes to happiness and positive energy, and the beat and rhythm provide an upbeat and empowering backing for the powerful lyrics. Music is a huge part of life. Ever considered why people use music so frequently at weddings, funerals, parties, and graduation? It provides a relaxing, empowering mood, creates emotions and relates to every human. Not only does music provide an outlet for musicians and artists to express themselves, it also can be therapeutic to listen to, inspiring hope and creating an inner drive to beat the …show more content…

In this novel, the protagonist, Esther Greenwood, balances her life carefully until mental illness eventually swallows her to the point where she attempts suicide. The recovery period required much effort, and Esther had to battle the ever present threat of the bell jar returning to suffocate her (Plath). Many Americans suffer from mental illness, and this novel demonstrates what it was like to be at war with oneself during the 1950’s in American society. Throughout “The Bell Jar”, Esther fights with her family, doctors, nurses, and even friends, but ultimately, the team of people in Esther’s life bands together during her healing period to overcome this trial during her almost shortened

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