In the poem Africa, and in the first stanza, the character that is being addressed is the Woman. She is being described by different metaphors that are the landmarks in Africa. The poet uses physical features, such as the Nile River, deserts, and mountains, to vividly describe the physical appearance of the Woman. For instance, the line “Two Nile her tears” compares how the Nile flows to the manner in which the Woman shed tears. Angelou uses “rime” and “cold” to refer to strangers who came to Africa and wanted to exploit them by taking their land.
Consequently, the line “took her young daughters” or rather “sold her strong sons” introduces the aspect of slavery. The whites had come to Africa, and their arrival caused the onset of the slave trade. “Thus, she has lain” clearly depicts how the white man was unfairly treating the Woman. However, the persona overcomes the pain through endurance. This also shows her rising from all the unfortunate things.