Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is important?
Summary and Analysis Chapters 24-25. The double-ended tragicomic scenario involving Maya's aching tooth epitomizes Angelou's ability to interweave serious theme with gentle humor. Against the cruelty and lack of professionalism of a dentist (ironically named Dr. Lincoln) who would vilify a suffering child and refuse her medical attention ...
When was I know why the Caged Bird Sings written?
Momma’s bravery sustains Maya and makes her feel safe. Not only does Momma have the power to protect her family and friends from evil spirits, Maya knows that Momma will protect Maya from any living people who seek to harm her. He said, ‘Annie, I done tole you. I ain’t gonna mess around in no niggah’s mouth.’.
Why does the Caged Bird still sing a fearful trill?
A summary of Part X (Section6) in Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and what it means. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans.
What is the meaning of the poem Caged Bird?
Feb 22, 2016 · Caged Bird by Maya Angelou. ‘Caged Bird’, or ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ as the poem is sometimes referred to, by Maya Angelou, is arguably one of the most moving and eye-opening poems ever written. Angelou also wrote an autobiography with a similar title, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. It is clear that this title had great significance to Angelou, as it was …
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Nov 29, 2018 · Tabatha Huerta Questions: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings [“The Peckerwood Dentist and Momma’s Incredible Powers”] In the story Angelou gives Momma the character of being able to stand up for herself. The dentist, Dr. Lincoln turned her service down because did not do work on black people. Momma tried holding his feet to the fire regarding him paying her …
What does Maya say about Momma?
Here, Maya presents her image of Momma as a protector. While Maya claims that Momma’s power derives from her physical attributes, the reader understands that Momma’s power stems from her inner strength and capabilities.
What does Maya say about Powhitetrash?
Maya explains that after several “powhitetrash” girls mock and belittle Momma, Momma stands her ground. She never reacts to the girls’ taunts and antics—including one girl who exposes herself—instead humming a hymn, emphasizing that she finds strength in God and her faith.
Why does Momma keep her voice low?
Momma chooses to keep her voice low because she gets what she needs without raising her voice. Momma, who I knew for the first time was so good and righteous she could command the fretful spirits, as Jesus had commanded the sea. “Peace, be still.”.
What does Maya say about the eighth grade graduation?
Maya notes that black families in Stamps consider the eight h-grade graduation a great event. When Maya takes her seat in the school auditorium, however, she feels uneasy. The white speaker, Mr. Edward Donleavy, gives a speech about the improvements in the local schools. The white school has received new lab equipment for science classes thanks ...
Where did Bailey and Maya live?
Not long afterward, Momma begins planning a trip to take Bailey and Maya to live in California with their mother.
What happened after Henry Reed's speech?
After his speech, Donleavy rushes to leave. Henry Reed’s valedictory speech dispels the dismal atmosphere, but Maya reacts with cynicism and pessimism. Henry continues to speak with strength and clarity, and afterward he turns his back to the audience and addresses the graduating class sitting on the stage.
What is the title of the book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?
Angelou also wrote an autobiography with a similar title, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. It is clear that this title had great significance to Angelou, as it was the title of her entire life story. In her autobiography, she talked about the struggle of being a black author and poet. She often felt that her words were not heard because ...
Why does the caged bird sing a fearful trill?
Although freedom, to the caged bird, is “fearful” because it is “unknown”, he still sings “a fearful trill” because he still longed for freedom. Here, the speaker reveals that his cry for freedom is “heard on the distant hill”. This parallels to the author and her cry for freedom in the form of equality.
What is the fourth line of the caged bird?
The fourth stanza of ‘Caged Bird’ continues the parallel between the free bird and the caged bird. The first line serves to starkly contrast the last line in the third stanza. It is dark and daunting. The reality of the life of the caged bird is revealed in this line.
How many stanzas are there in the poem "Caged Bird"?
‘Caged Bird’ by Maya Angelou is a six stanza poem that is separated into stanzas that range in length. Angelou chose to write the poem in free verse. This means that there is no single rhyme scheme or metrical pattern that unites all the lines. But, there are some examples of an iambic meter. This adds to the overall musicality of the poem. Iambs are also generally referred to as “rising” feet in that the second syllable is stressed. This plays into the content of the caged bird and the free bird. Additionally, readers should take note of the instances in which the poet makes use of half- rhyme.
What literary devices does Maya Angelou use in her poem?
Angelou makes use of several literary devices in ‘ Caged Bird’. These include but are not limited to alliteration, enjambment, and repetition. The latter, repetition is seen throughout the poem but most prominently in the structure of the stanzas and the continual reference to the “free bird” and “caged bird”.
Why does the caged bird sing of freedom?
With this, the speaker implies that although the caged bird may never have experienced freedom, he still sings of it because he was created for freedom. This is paralleled to the African American struggle in Maya Angelou’s time.
What does Maya Angelou mean by "on the back of the wind"?
(…) in the orange sun rays. and dares to claim the sky. In the first stanza, Maya Angelou refers to nature. She describes the way “a free bird leaps on the back of the wind”. She describes the bird’s flight against the orange sky. The free bird has the right “to claim the sky”.