Maya Angelou: "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

http://a-blog-of-ones-own.blogspot.com/2014/06/love-liberates-maya-angelou-rip.html

Addressing the issues of racism, Maya Angelou discusses the depressing times of inequality. Through the characters in I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings, the essay is written from the perspective of a young, Black girl. From the lens of the narrator, the reader empathizes and experiences a small fraction of the inequality Blacks had to go through for centuries.

Born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou experienced similar treatment to her characters. Making the essay all the more authentic, Maya Angelou uses this essay to reflect on the brutal, unfair treatment of Blacks at the time. Yet, just like it is seen in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou endures racial discrimination with the help of her family, African-American traditions, and culture.

In the beginning, the narrator mentions the difficulties of growing up as a Black girl, something that Angelou can relate to. The narrator says, "If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat" (344). The narrator recounts memorable events in her life such as the daily life at the Store, the possible lynching of Uncle Willie, etc. Through all events, the narrator stresses: the importance of family, racial discrimination, and the huge role African culture and traditions.

Angelou's essay shares the past struggles of African-Americans. Angelou, like her characters, endured through the times of inequality and is raising awareness. Not only is Angelou raising awareness of the inequality Blacks underwent, but she is also displaying the fire and passion of the African-American spirit, which is seen through their gospel songs and fighting spirit.This is seen when the narrator says, "She stood another whole song through...Her face was a brown moon that shone on me...Whatever the contest had been out front, I knew Momma had won" (357).

Angelou's purpose was accomplished through the use of rhetorical devices and strategies. Just a few were figurative language, anaphora, and juxtaposition. Here are some examples:

• Figurative language: "I knew that once I put it on I'd look like a movie star" (342).
• Anaphora: " No louder than before, but no softer either. No slower or faster" (355).
• Juxtaposition: "When I was big, elbowy, and grating, he was small, graceful, and smooth" (352)

I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings is a beautiful essay written by Maya Angelou. She brilliantly uses the Black characters in her essay to show the prejudices of society and the fervent African-American spirit. Maya Angelou has done a wonderful job of communicating her message and accomplishing her purpose. Understandable and easy to follow along, the essay can target any audience. Her essay is not limited to only Blacks or Caucasians, but people of all races can empathize with the narrator.