Title Significance

The literal meaning of the title, “The Rose that Grew from Concrete” is at first glance a rose that is growing out of a crack in the concrete. It is possible that a rose can grow from a crack in the concrete but it is highly unlikely. If you were to go into an urban area it is very common to see weeds growing out of concrete. Because this is a compilation of poems it is mostly figurative language and symbols and there are no references to a physical rose growing.  

If we think about the title and of Tupac’s life we start to see that the rose represents the author.  Saying that the rose grew out of concrete signifies that Tupac grew from his poor environment and flourished.  The concrete represents the environment that Tupac grew up in. When we think of concrete, especially concrete with cracks, it brings up images of dilapidated urban areas. The title is a metaphor for the books plot.

The story is about how Tupac rose from is dangerous environment by following his goals and dreams and became a successful rapper and song writer. The rose symbolizes Tupac and the concrete represents the dangerous streets of East Harlem. Tupac is saying that he overcame the harsh environment by following his dreams, similar to how the rose grew out of the cold and rough concrete. It is very hard to survive in an environment where there is violence, drugs and poverty and still make something of yourself. It is just as unlikely for a rose to grow from concrete where normally we see weeds growing out of concrete.  Since a rose very rarely or maybe never grows from concrete, the author is implying that it is rare for people living in poverty to become successful. The Concrete is rough and dirty just like the environment he lived in and a rose a beautiful flower. Tupac is that beautiful flower that flourished out of a rough and dirty neighborhood in East Harlem.

At first you may think Tupac Shakur is talking about just a flower growing out of concrete. When you begin to read his poems and understand his life it reveals the deep meaning behind his words. 

Literal meaning word count 91
Figurative meaning word count 281