I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is an autobiography that follows Maya Angelou’s early life accomplishments and experiences. One must go through trials and tribulations until one can succeed. Maya had many things and people that have impacted who she has become. This novel demonstrates life lessons, strength, and value, moral and character. Maya is caged and endures racism, sexual abuse, literacy yet she uses the power of her words to sing for her freedom.
Being black during the 1930’s in the south was very difficult and stressful. Everyone who lived in a black community was targeted for racism. Racism prevailed during that time period. Maya dealt with racism at a young age. At age three Maya and her brother Bailey age four were shipped off …show more content…
Several instances prove that racism became an instant obstacle for Maya. Getting a job, receiving medical treatment and feeling insecure about her-self were those obstacles. Through racism Maya had some insecurity about herself. Maya felt ugly in her skin and she felt displaced. “I was really white…had turned me into a too-big Negro girl, with nappy black hair, broad feet and a space between her teeth that would hold a number-two pencil. (Prologue 9) This shows that Maya thinks whites are more beautiful, and superior. She thinks blacks are out of place and inferior. When Maya experienced an excruciating tooth ache she was taken to see a white dentist. However because of racism Maya was denied medical treatment. “ When Maya got a job working for Mrs. Cullian as a cook Mrs. Cullian decides to change Maya’s name to Mary. “That's too long. She's Mary from now on."(Angelou, 108) During the slavery era it was common for white people to disrespect blacks by calling them out of their names. It wasn’t necessary for whites to learn black people’s names. It is a great insult to call someone something other than their names. Maya in the end discovers pride within herself and doesn’t allow Mrs. Cullian to disrespect her any longer. Another aspect of racism …show more content…
The power of Literacy and Literature is what helped Maya navigate and get through her experiences in life. Literature helped Maya cope and find her own identity. Maya’s first love was William Shakespeare. Literature gave her confidence and an escape outlet. While reading literature Maya could be whoever and be wherever she wanted. Literature helped her escape isolation when she was in St. Louis. After the rape encounter with Mr. Freeman Maya went to the library as an escape. After her rape and her period of silence Mrs. Bertha Flowers becomes a prominent figure in her breaking her silence. She insists to Maya to read a book she gives her, with poets and writers and recite it. Mrs. Flowers helped Maya regain her
Being black during the 1930’s in the south was very difficult and stressful. Everyone who lived in a black community was targeted for racism. Racism prevailed during that time period. Maya dealt with racism at a young age. At age three Maya and her brother Bailey age four were shipped off …show more content…
Several instances prove that racism became an instant obstacle for Maya. Getting a job, receiving medical treatment and feeling insecure about her-self were those obstacles. Through racism Maya had some insecurity about herself. Maya felt ugly in her skin and she felt displaced. “I was really white…had turned me into a too-big Negro girl, with nappy black hair, broad feet and a space between her teeth that would hold a number-two pencil. (Prologue 9) This shows that Maya thinks whites are more beautiful, and superior. She thinks blacks are out of place and inferior. When Maya experienced an excruciating tooth ache she was taken to see a white dentist. However because of racism Maya was denied medical treatment. “ When Maya got a job working for Mrs. Cullian as a cook Mrs. Cullian decides to change Maya’s name to Mary. “That's too long. She's Mary from now on."(Angelou, 108) During the slavery era it was common for white people to disrespect blacks by calling them out of their names. It wasn’t necessary for whites to learn black people’s names. It is a great insult to call someone something other than their names. Maya in the end discovers pride within herself and doesn’t allow Mrs. Cullian to disrespect her any longer. Another aspect of racism …show more content…
The power of Literacy and Literature is what helped Maya navigate and get through her experiences in life. Literature helped Maya cope and find her own identity. Maya’s first love was William Shakespeare. Literature gave her confidence and an escape outlet. While reading literature Maya could be whoever and be wherever she wanted. Literature helped her escape isolation when she was in St. Louis. After the rape encounter with Mr. Freeman Maya went to the library as an escape. After her rape and her period of silence Mrs. Bertha Flowers becomes a prominent figure in her breaking her silence. She insists to Maya to read a book she gives her, with poets and writers and recite it. Mrs. Flowers helped Maya regain her