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Essay On I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is a wonderfully glimpse into the life of a young African American girl in the 1920s. There are times of grief, abuse, and prejudice as well as celebrations of life and the joy of childhood. Maya is able to find courage and pride within herself and rise above many negative factors beginning at a very young age. She is able to seek solace and comfort with her strong yet untraditional family structure, especially her brother Bailey. Maya shows inner strength that is not always so easily attainable and carries it with her into her teenage and adult years, and by doing so she continues to build her own self-worth. Marguerite was three years old and Bailey was four when they were sent to live …show more content…

Day after day she would go to the office and wait longingly for an interview. She refused to give up on her dream to become a valuable part of her community and start her independence. Although it was years since she lived with her grandmother in Stamps, she carried with her bravery, pride, and a value system that was so strongly instilled within her as a child. Her mother supported her decision and provided unconditional support. “Life is going to give you just what you put in it. Put your whole heart in everything you do, and pray.” (pg. 269) Through her relentless determination and perseverance, she finally landed a job as the first female African American streetcar conductor. I would recommend this book to be read in high school or college. There a many life lessons to be learned and interpreted through her writing. I believe one of the strongest principles is never giving up. When raised with such strong values and morals, and fully devoting yourself to education, anything is possible. To give up and crumble under the weight of life is easy; its determination, standing up for what you believe in, and believing in yourself that is

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