I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Analysis
The world today with its racism, corruption, and discrimination, is lucky to have such an inspirational author as Maya Angelou. In her works of poetry, drama and memoir, she describes the imperfections and perversions of humanity, men, women, black, and white with an unrelenting and sometimes jarring candor. In her first autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", she describes her own experiences as a Black African American girl growing up in the deep south of Stamps, Arkansas.
James Baldwin illustrates the motivation he got from reading this book as follows:
"Black, bitter and beautiful, she speaks of our survival... This testimony from a black sister marks the beginning of a new error in the minds and hearts of all black men and …show more content…
Maya attends a church revival where the priest would preach again white hypocrisy. This spiritual sermon lasted for a short time as the entire community gathered around to watch the Joe Louis heavyweight boxing match since he was defending his belt against a white opponent. As the days went on, Maya Angelou encountered three main horrendous acts of racism. At age ten, Maya takes a job from this white lady named Mrs. Culllinan. She tries to rename and demean her by calling her "Mary" instead of "Maya" since it is easier for her. Maya easily becomes infuriated and retaliates by breaking her fine China. At her eighth grade graduation, a white speaker ravages a very proud black community by explaining why black students are expected to be either athletes or servants. Finally, when Maya gets a rotten tooth, Mrs. Henderson takes her to see the only dentist in Stamps. He is a chauvinistic white man who insults Maya by stating he would rather stick his hands in a dog 's mouth than in hers. The last straw came when a white man became satisfied by seeing a dead black man 's body rotting in the streets. With great fear for Maya and Bailey, Mrs. Henderson decided it is in the best interest and well-being of the children to be sent to California and live with their mother,
James Baldwin illustrates the motivation he got from reading this book as follows:
"Black, bitter and beautiful, she speaks of our survival... This testimony from a black sister marks the beginning of a new error in the minds and hearts of all black men and …show more content…
Maya attends a church revival where the priest would preach again white hypocrisy. This spiritual sermon lasted for a short time as the entire community gathered around to watch the Joe Louis heavyweight boxing match since he was defending his belt against a white opponent. As the days went on, Maya Angelou encountered three main horrendous acts of racism. At age ten, Maya takes a job from this white lady named Mrs. Culllinan. She tries to rename and demean her by calling her "Mary" instead of "Maya" since it is easier for her. Maya easily becomes infuriated and retaliates by breaking her fine China. At her eighth grade graduation, a white speaker ravages a very proud black community by explaining why black students are expected to be either athletes or servants. Finally, when Maya gets a rotten tooth, Mrs. Henderson takes her to see the only dentist in Stamps. He is a chauvinistic white man who insults Maya by stating he would rather stick his hands in a dog 's mouth than in hers. The last straw came when a white man became satisfied by seeing a dead black man 's body rotting in the streets. With great fear for Maya and Bailey, Mrs. Henderson decided it is in the best interest and well-being of the children to be sent to California and live with their mother,