The caged bird has long been a symbol of the human struggle against the shackles of oppression. In his 1899 poem Sympathy, African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar wrote about knowing how a caged bird feels.
How he mourns the loss of his freedom and “beats his wings till his blood runs red on the cruel bars.” This image of a caged bird crying and having difficulty with freedom was reproduce in Maya Angelou’s young mind.
The Main theme of his book is the importance of the family and community. The challenges she faced Maya Angelou was surrounde by a loving and kind family who encourage her to achieve passion and never give up. Another theme of this book is the power of education.
In her masterful 1969 memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. (The first of a seven-part series), Angelou is herself a caged bird trying to escape a world filled with racism, sexism, and strife.
Detailing her early years through adolescence, this moving autobiography shows . Maya Angelou’s transformation from a withdrawn and self-confident child to a confident trailblazer. whose works would finally affect, give voice to, and uplift an entire nation.
1. Introduction of Maya Angelou and the book
Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, singer, and civil rights activist. who is consider the most followed literary person of the 20th century.
She was born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri; she faced a lot of problems during her childhood like trauma, abuse, and judgment. By facing all these challenges. she became a light of wisdom and an inspiration for millions of people all around. the world through her powerful and effective writing and activism.
In this article, we will study the strength of Maya Angelou’s “I Know why the caged bird sings” . the important lesson of behavioral flexibility and coming out of hardships.
We will study the main themes and motifs of the book, observe Angelou’s efficient and effective writing style, and talk about. how her writing style and work keep echoing with today’s readers.
2. Overview Of The Book’s Theme
“I know why the caged bird sings” is an autobiographical book written by Maya Angelou. The book’s theme revolves around racism, identity, family, and resilience. This book was publishe in South America during the 1930s and 1940s, a time.
when racial segregation and equality were at the top. Angelou describes her experiences growing up as a black girl in most white people’s society, facing poverty, abuse, and trauma.
In her book. she highlighted the problems of Black Americans during this time. he strength required to face the challenges of inequality and oppression.
3. The Importance Of The Title
The title of Maya Angelou’s “I know why the caged bird sings” is important in many ways. it has a direct reference to the poem “sympathy”. Written by an African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, who uses the allegory of a caged bird to represent the hardships of African American during this time.
Angelou’s acquiring this allegory in her title is a clear signal that her. book will deal with all the themes of abuse, freedom, and troubles, about the experiences of African American women.
4. Angelou’s Childhood And Trauma Story She Experience
Maya Angelou’s childhood was very interesting because of his childhood. Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, singer, and civil rights activist who is consider the most followed literary person of the 20th century. She was born in 1928 in St. Louis. She was marked by significant trauma and adversity. She is born in 1928, in St Louis the city of Missouri in the USA.
When Maya Angelou was just 3 years. She lives with his grandmother after her parent’s divorce.
Maya Angelou was raised by her grandmother as are strong and independent women. Who owns the general store?
However, Maya Angelou was Rapid by her mother’s boyfriend. When she was only 7 years old. And the trauma of this experience left her mute for several years. This was the beginner challenge that Maya Angelou would face in her life.
One of the black women growing up in the Jim Crow South Missouri in the USA. She was forced to confront the realism operation and judgment, where would share her later involvement and writing. Her writing including her “story I know why the caged bird sings” is a testament to her flexibility and power of overcoming hardship. Maya Angelou inspires and empowers the reader to this day.
5. Starting A New Life In In San Francisco
Living in San Francisco during World War II was a pivotal time for Maya. Under the guidance of her teacher at George Washington High School, Miss Kirwin, Maya found her passion for learning. While night classes at the California Labor School awakened her enthusiasm for drama and dance. At 14, Maya blossomed into a driven and talented young woman.
She wanted a job on the streetcars, which wouldn’t be so unusual except during those days. the Market Street Railway Company wasn’t employing ‘colored’ people. This, of course, didn’t stop Maya. With her mother’s encouragement, she persisted until she won the job and the respect of the people she worked with. It is this same resilience, this quiet strength, . the ‘never give up’ attitude that would see Angelou overcoming and triumphing over the many challenges. she would face in adulthood.
6. The Theme OF ” I KNOW WHY THE CAGED Bird Sings”
The topic is ” I know why the caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou. see the powerful memoir that discovers the theme of resilience in the of adversity. Maya Angelou checks her experience growing up as an African American girl in the era of Jim Crow.
Maya Angelou was facing discrimination poverty and trauma. Maya Angelou’s work hard shines throw in her circumstances and achieve her dream.
The main theme of his book is the importance of family and community. The challenges she faced Maya Angelou was surrounded by a loving and kind family who encourage her to achieve passion and never give up. Another theme of this book is the power of education. Black women struggle in whole life but achieve their goals because of education.
7. A Return To Stamps: Finding Her Voice
After Mr. Freeman’s death, Bailey and Maya moved back to Stamps. At this point, all the conflicting feelings of fear, terror, helplessness, and guilt caused Maya to fall silent. A long time passed before Maya spoke again.
Ultimately, it was the kind guidance of Mrs. Bertha Flowers, the genteel “aristocrat of the Black Stamps,” that helped Maya rediscovers her voice, literally in literature as well. Mrs. Flower lent Maya books and asked her to recite her favorite poems. In addition to encouraging her to speak again, this period helped awaken Maya’s love of poetry and literature.
Life soon improved for the young girl. Maya started making friends and did so well in class that she graduated eighth grade with top grades. But even during this triumphant period, a dark cloud hung over their community. Graduation was a big deal at Stamps and everyone was in the mood to celebrate. That is, until Mr. Edward Donleavy’s opening speech.
This sadistic display of racism and cruelty scared Mom so much that she sent Bailey and Maya back to their parents. Mom accompanied them to California. And from there the children traveled north with their mother to live in San Francisco.
Final Thoughts On I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings And Its Lasting Impact
The topic is ” I know why the caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou. see the powerful memoir that discovers the theme of resilience in the of adversity.
Although isn’t that part expected? After all, Maya Angelou is considered one of the most talented storytellers in history. But in this humble reader’s opinion, what makes this memoir special is Angela’s handling of her experiences.
Maya and Bailey were haunted by feelings of abandonment and displacement. It was a pain they had to fight, privately and silently. But as they were adjusting to life in Arkansas, what little peace they had gained from their mother’s care was shattered with the arrival of gifts from their parents.
Written in simple verse, these journals are very readable – but not necessarily easy to read. Angelou not only tells you her story, but she also ropes you in for the whole ride. I remember reading her interview .
where she said that to write this biography, she had to do it in isolation and with the help of alcohol.
They were painful days that are not forgotten; the days she had to relive to celebrate them in print. And you can feel it while reading I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. As you read about the ups and downs of Angelou’s youth, you also feel the joy, anxiety, terror, and helplessness . she felt as a child.
