Ego Tripping
18 pages • 36 minutes read
Nikki Giovanni
Nikki Giovanni
Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in
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SummaryOverview
Overview
“Ego Tripping,” also known as “Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why),” is one of American poet Nikki Giovanni’s most well-known poems. Giovanni first published this poem in , which is the year that also marks Giovanni’s first trip to Africa, three years after the birth of her son. As the title of the poem suggests, this poem is a fulsome celebration of the many facets of Giovanni’s identity as a Black woman. Written at a tumultuous time in American history, “Ego Tripping” contains deeply personal discussions of pride and identity that reflect the poet’s notions of self; as well, the poem is full of highly political commentary reflective of the changing ideas around race and gender that correspond with the Civil Rights Movement and second-wave feminism.
No rhyme scheme or meter pattern is observable in “Ego Tripping,” but for many readers, the
Nikki Giovanni
June 7, / Knoxville, Tennessee
I was born in the congo
I walked to the fertile crescent and built
the sphinx
I designed a pyramid so tough that a star
that only glows every one hundred years falls
into the center giving divine perfect light
I am bad
I sat on the throne
drinking nectar with allah
I got hot and sent an ice age to europe
to cool my thirst
My oldest daughter is nefertiti
the tears from my birth pains
created the nile
I am a beautiful woman
I gazed on the forest and burned
out the sahara desert
with a packet of goat&#;s meat
and a change of clothes
I crossed it in two hours
I am a gazelle so swift
so swift you can&#;t catch me
For a birthday present when he was three
I gave my son hannibal an elephant
He gave me rome for mother&#;s day
My strength flows ever on
My son noah built new/ark and
I stood proudly at the helm
as we sailed on a soft summer day
I turned myself into myself and was
jesus
men intone my loving name
All praises All praises
I am the one who would save
I sowed diamonds in my back yard
My bowels deliver uranium
the filings from my fingernails are
semi-precious jewels
On a trip north
I c
What Is the Meaning of Nikki Giovanni&#;s Ego Tripping?
In &#;Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why),&#; poet Nikki Giovanni compares her ancestry and potential to ancient civilizations that have contributed to modern-day life. Giovanni stresses throughout this poem that she is powerful, and any goal is possible to attain.
In the first stanza of &#;Ego Tripping,&#; Giovanni takes credit for the great wonders of the world, such as the sphinx and pyramids, and compares herself to a star that shines a divine light. She then compares herself to Nefertiti and Allah in the second stanza. The third stanza solidifies her powers, detailing tasks made easy to her with superior speed, strength and power. Giovanni then moves on to great leaders of Rome and Greece and relates that she surpasses them because unlike them, she is not defeated. In the last stanza, Giovanni speaks of her son as Noah with reference to Newark, N.J., a city that suffered from great racial turmoil. stresses that while the title of the poem may prompt one to believe that the poet is vain, a deeper interpretation reveals that Giovanni is merely poetically exemplifying the ways that she and the reader should feel
Ego-Tripping
Introduction
Welcome to a journey through Nikki Giovanni&#;s powerful poem, &#;Ego-Tripping.&#; This piece isn&#;t just any poem; it&#;s a bold celebration of self and heritage that resonates with many readers. Nikki Giovanni, an influential figure in the Black Arts Movement, crafts her words to not only express personal pride but also to evoke a sense of collective empowerment.
Set against the backdrop of the civil rights era, Giovanni&#;s work often reflects themes of social justice, identity, and love. &#;Ego-Tripping,&#; one of her most famous pieces, is no exception. Written in a genre that blends lyrical poetry with a sermon-like fervor, thepoem delves into the realms of self-identity and power through a rich tapestry of historical and mythical allusions. Let’s explore what makes &#;Ego-Tripping&#; a standout piece in the landscape of modern poetry. 🌟📜
Meaning of Ego-Tripping
&#;Ego-Tripping&#; by Nikki Giovanni offers a fascinating exploration into the self, woven through its opening, middle, and concluding sections. Each part contributes uniquely to the poem&#;s overall impact.
Opening Section
Thepoem starts with a declaration of grandeur: &#;I
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