English 417
Mr. Bakos
The Triumphant Race
Maya Angelou’s “Chapter 19 of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” describes a small Southern town who’s gathered in the local store to listen to a championship boxing match on the radio between an African American, Joe Louis, and a Caucasian, Carnera. Louis almost loses the fight, but in the end defeats his contender. He is not only triumphant by winning the title of champion of the world, but through his win, his race is also victorious. It appears as that Angelou makes reference to the fact that her race can be beaten, but will never be broken down. Another theme explored is that of how major events unite people through a common desire or belief. Angelou uses tone to enhance