...I know Why the Caged Bird Sings is an autobiographical account of Maya Angelou that demonstrates how love for literature and having a strong character can play a significant role in overcoming racism and distress. In the course of the story, it is evident that Maya changes from being a casualty of racism to become a young woman with self-dignity and identity that helps her to overcome prejudice. The context of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings focuses on the problems associated with racism that was prevalent in the southern states. Racist oppression is a common theme in the book that is portrayed by all the major characters; in fact, all the other themes in the book are closely related to racism, identity and segregation. In addition, the style and genre, and the structure of this literary work make significant contributions towards its thematic development, which focus on resistance to racism, the significance of the family, self-identity and definition and independence. Walker (95) argues that I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings is characterized by thematic unity, which is achieved using the structure adopted in the text that takes more of a thematic form rather than a chronological form. In addition, Angelou managed to emphasize on the universal ideas in her literary work irrespective of its periodic quality. In I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou used the major characters of the book to facilitate its thematic development identity, racism and literacy throughout the text...
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...Elisabeth Schauer Mary F. Lyons LCS 360 A March 4th 2014 The Importance of Religion throughout African Americans in the 1900’s Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing” and Solomon Northrup, “Twelve Years a Slave” are two memoirs with similar themes that encompassed their societies. These literally works depicts many life stories in which thematic concerns of religion, racism, chauvinism, education, poverty and seclusion carry an American dream. One quickly notices that they both relate in the way they pass out their different themes especially the theme of religion in this case. Religion is the main concern in this article considered for literary analysis. Therefore, the two authors used religion as part of their larger story to bring out a more or less the same thematic concept. Maya Angelou composed a stunning and energizing personal history titled “I know why the caged birds sing” of her hardship in her growth as a dark young woman in the southern states of America. Set in the 1930's the place the legacy of subjection remained. One thing, which made this literature work so fascinating to peruse, was the way that this book had such a variety of topics, which are both relative and imperative to us today like the absence of equivalent chances, prejudice, bias, training, neediness, seclusion, religion and The American Dream. On the other hand, in his work Solomon Northrup’s, “Twelve Years a Slave” shows the pain and ill-use encountered by Solomon Northrup in...
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...Throughout "I know why the caged bird sings", Maya Angelou portrays her experiences with adversity, as well as the experiences of many others, how she copes with them and how she rises above them. Maya exposes the reality of adversity in all its forms and by the end of the novel we are able to learn what overcoming adversity truly means. One of the social issues seen is that Maya is not getting the attention she needs from her caregivers. The author uses literary devices to explore the issue when she says "she was like a pretty kite that floated just above my head. If I liked I could pull her to me by saying I had to go to the toilet or by starting a fight with Bailey." This simile helps to show that Maya's mother takes care of her basic needs but fails to give her the actual care and attention a child needs. The issue contributes to the text as a whole by demonstrating how Maya might act in certain situations. An example of this is when she liked the attention she was getting from Mr. Freeman at first, although she knew it wasn't right. Overcoming this adversity helped Maya to grow as a person and become more independent. As Maya goes through life she often encounters racism such as when she gets a toothache and Momma takes her to the white dentist. During this time we are able to see discrimination against blacks come to life in front of Maya. The quote "Annie, my policy is that I'd rather stick my hand in a dog's mouth than in a nigger's." is used to portray the discrimination...
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...Bird: Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings as a Call for Revolutionary Action Maya Angelou’s memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, exhibits the connection between cultural structures, such as language, religion and art, and the modern capitalist hierarchy of modern American society. Her portrayal demonstrates the need for revolutionary action over silent or reformative protest by explaining the failures of the latter. Overall, she argues that in order to end injustice, the oppressed must freely develop individual identities and perspectives, each subjective, but in total encompass an objective truth. Caged Bird explores the intrinsic connection of language and class, defining power as the ability to force another to conform to one’s own dogmata. For instance, Marguerite disdainfully observes that “Momma persistently [uses] the wrong verb” (94) while in the presence of the comparatively upper-class Mrs. Flowers, such criticism, one...
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...Both Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou explores the topic of discrimination. Of Mice and Men tells the tale of the unlikely bond that forms between protagonist and antagonist, George and Lennie. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is a poem that used different types of birds to symbolize opposites in society. This poem can be interpreted as the black race being restricted from the privileges that white people acquire. Of Mice and Men and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" illustrates the theme that people should not be hindered from any form of success because of who they are. In Of Mice and Men, the theme is conveyed through the most obvious form of discrimination depicted in the novella,...
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...Why Did I Enroll in College I often ask myself why. Why did you decide to go to college? Well first off, I have just started my family. So therefore, I am going to need to get my future set straight in order to support this family. What better way than to enroll in college? In this essay I will briefly explain why I enrolled in college. Also, the qualities I need to use in order to be successful in college. Qualities that I am going to use will definitely give me nothing but the best, and me personally I strive for the best. While in college I would love to gain the most out of it. The last thing I plan on talking about is certain obstacles I will have to overcome in order to be successful in receiving my degree. Why did I enroll in college? My reasons for enrolling in college are pretty simple. First things first, I really want to work towards getting my degree and become a teacher. I have wanted to be a teacher all my life. Honestly I don’t know what made me want to become a teacher, but it has stuck with me since I first decided what I wanted to be. I have the up-most respect for teachers, due to the fact that they put up with so much from students. So I believe I need to put forth the effort and take over for someone who is ready to get out of the teaching life. Another reason I decided to enroll in college, I really want to experience new things. This is a never ending issue; I am the type of person who constantly wants to experience something new. I joined the military...
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...“She doesn’t talk much. Her name’s Margaret.” […] “Well, that may be, but the name’s too long. I’d never bother myself. I’d call her Mary if I was you.” This is a scene where we see Maya’s core identity, her name, being wiped out and tempered with. Throughout ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, we realize the protagonist, Maya, faces several identity crisis in her life and is thus left to write a biography of the culmination of incidents that have occurred throughout her life and hence that have shaped her identity today. Those around her mold Maya’s identity. Her relationships are what define her. There are no two ways about it; Maya’s rape calls her identity into question. Suddenly, she is portrayed as both a woman and child but she feels like neither. Thus, she is left with spending the rest of the book trying on different identities...
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...stairs to this loud, crowded, messy house, where tonight’s ‘phat’ party is being held. I take in the horrible smell of burning tobacco floating through the air being produced by young adolescents who have their 12oz. in one hand, and their Marlboro burning in the other. Black lungs, lung cancer, and that terrible smokers cough is all I can think of as I walk past these kids to one of my high school buddies who enjoys getting his pack-a-day of nicotine, tar filled cancer sticks. Is their really such thing as a light cigarette? I hold these thoughts to myself, and continue to chitchat with my buddy for the five minutes or so it takes him to finish his ‘cig’ about random, immature, and funny topics that he will probably forget about in the next 30 minutes. I carry on with my night by taking a few short steps into the crowded party house. Waka Flocka Flames “No Hands” is blaring through the air, people dancing, laughing, talking, and flirting while drinking their 12oz. cans. Standing to my left is at first glance a very attractive young woman, at second glance is a college student whose face is peeling due to the excessive amount of makeup covering her entire face. She is already starting to talk like she is a forty year smoker. I just saw her outside with a full 12oz. that she was rapidly finishing in order to get herself to as many of us young people would put it, “On Her Level”. I keep walking and feel my feet sticking to the floor with every step from the spilled 12oz...
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...Are scientist sure there is water on Mars? 2.I don't know if I can help him,but I'll definitely try. 3.They say that the best things in life are free! 4 After we eat lunch, we're going to work on the chemistry project. 5.The test includes;reading,vocabulary,and grammar sections. 6.Bruce went running down the street, the huge rat was too much for him! B. correct the punctuation mistakes and add punctuation when necessary. 1.To get to Burlington ,you have to drive to the train station,take the train,and get a taxi. 2. Do you know where Maggie put the envelopes? 3.We need to print 200 newsletters this week—even more than last week! 4.Wow! 5.Randy looked at the ground, and sighed,it was all he could do. 6.The Train leaves in an hour;but you need to buy the tickets first! Write a letter to a friend about a movie you have seen or a book you have recently read. Dear Lindsay, I just read The hunger Games and Catching Fire, I cant believe I did it !They are so amazing,and good .I honestly recommend them to you; you like things like that action , horror, sci-fi and futuristic books .So I wonder why haven't recommended them to you before? Katniss is my new hero, Because even tho she got into trouble—didn’t expect to become such a role model in all of the district to cause that massive rebellion. This is some of the reasons why you should read them : They are a action packed intense ride, leaves you to wonder why do they do what they do, they have so much suspense...
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...the moon. Her face and arms began to swell and Whitey's on the moon. I can't pay no doctor bills but Whitey's on the moon. Ten years from now I'll be payin' still while Whitey's on the moon. The man just upped my rent last night cuz Whitey's on the moon. No hot water, no toilets, no lights but Whitey's on the moon. I wonder why he's uppin me. Cuz Whitey's on the moon? I was already givin' him fifty a week but now Whitey's on the moon. Taxes takin' my whole damn check, The junkies makin' me a nervous wreck, The price of food is goin' up, And as if all that shit wasn't enough: A rat done bit my sister Nell with Whitey on the moon. Her face and arms began to swell but Whitey's on the moon. Was all that money I made last year for Whitey on the moon? How come there ain't no money here? Hmm! Whitey's on the moon. Ya know, I just about had my fill of Whitey on the moon. I think I'll send these doctor bills airmail special.... to Whitey on the moon. By GIL-SCOTT HERON A rat done bit my sister Nell with Whitey on the moon. Her face and arms began to swell and Whitey's on the moon. I can't pay no doctor bills but Whitey's on the moon. Ten years from now I'll be payin' still while Whitey's on the moon. The man just upped my rent last night cuz Whitey's on the moon. No hot water, no toilets, no lights but Whitey's on the moon. I wonder why he's uppin me. Cuz Whitey's on the moon? I was already givin' him fifty a week but now Whitey's on the moon. Taxes...
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...Why Germany Lost World War I Since the beginning of World War I, Germany fought through a great number of boundaries no one thought could be broken. With the help of their Allies, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, Germany managed to gain the upper hand the year following the start of the war. Up until the Battle of the Somme on July 1st, 1916, Germany and the other central powers were hoping to quickly defeat the Allies. These hopes were soon to be discouraged as Germany starts to struggle on account of its insufficient Allies and the lack of supplies due in part to the British blockade. Being that Germany was geographically surrounded by foes, it was near impossible for the newly formed country to gain access to outside supplies. When the United States entered the war on the Allies side in 1917, the fate of the Germans was practically sealed. These factors worked against the central powers, and allowed the Allies to put an end to World War I victoriously. On August 1st, 1914, Germany mobilized their army and declared war on Russia. The following day, Germany waged war on Belgium after demanding to allow the German army to cross its borders. On August 3rd, Germany declared war on France and invaded Belgium, which causes Britain to declare war on Germany shortly thereafter. A domino effect takes place during this short period in 1914 that causes World War I. By now, Germany was forced to divide their great army to fight a two-front war against France and Russia...
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...The Dave Matthews Band When I think of The Dave Matthews Band, I also think of their jazzy pop rock music that has helped them become a musical sensation. The band consists of jazz and classical musicians and of course, Dave Matthews. Their music and songs are very unique and have not been heard before the band came about. They have touched millions of people’s hearts, especially mine. The fact that they sing about real situations and real issues that are going on the world today is what makes them my favorite band. Whether I am happy, sad, or mad, The Dave Matthews Band’s album “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King” always lifts my spirits and puts me in a better mood; their songs are inspirational. One of the songs that touch me the most is called “Funny the Way It Is”. This song is about the good and bad things going on in the world. The point being made is that even though many wonderful things are happening, bad things are occurring at the exact same time. “Funny the way it is, if you think about it/ One kid walks 10 miles to school, another's dropping out/ Funny the way it is, not right or wrong/ On a soldier's last breath, his baby's being born/ Funny the way it is, not right or wrong/ Somebody's broken heart become your favorite song/ Funny the way it is, if you think about it/ One kid walks 10 miles to school, another's dropping out” Not only does it discuss the fine times and poor times in life, but also how people take the privileges they have for granted. While kids...
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...year.” “In 1907 the Triple Entente which had the French Republic, the British Empire and the Russian Empire. ” Italy decided to end their alliance with the Central Powers.” ”Belgium, Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, and Romania were also in the Triple Entente.” Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria were in the Central Powers. Friendly alliances can’t solve every problem that comes in your direction. “ A reason why the Central Powers lost World War One is because there was no military strength.” “Germany lacked soldiers and they were supporting Austria, Bulgaria and Turkey.” ”USA ended up joining the war also...
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...Why did World War I last so long? The First World War began on July 1914 and lasted till the armistice call from Germany in November 1918. World War or the Great War involved global powers assembled in two opposing alliances: at the beginning of the war, The Allies consisted of United Kingdom, France and Russia and were later joined among others by the USA. Against Allies stood alliance called Central powers, which consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy (which fought for Allies then) later joined by Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria. Both Allies and Central powers expected the war to be very short and quick as for being regional (between Austria-Hungary and Serbia). The common belief in United Kingdom in the year 1914 was the war would last “till Christmas” (under half year). The Germany foresaw the war to last similarly short as they put their stakes on short and no diversionary war according to Schlieffen Plan. The most significant factors in term of prolonging the war were the failure of Schlieffen Plan together with the determined attitude of both camps to win. This resulted in the tactical stalemate of trench warfare, which again contributed to the length of the war. All factors mentioned above were essential in prolonging the war. First of all, Germany gambled on a quick victory with the Schlieffen Plan that did not pay off and resulted in the trench warfare. Schlieffen Plan was a warfare strategy whose main aim was not to create diversionary war...
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...“Why I write/Difficult reading" Writing. One word, unlimited stories, tales, memories and also; stress. I struggle with both a mental and medical disability. This makes it so much more difficult to do everyday activities let alone something that takes long-term commitment and focus. I struggle very much when it comes to writing, reading and pretty much anything that has to do with concentration. When doing an assignment for class, for example; homework, my severe anxiety kicks in (although I suffer from it 24-7 it hit’s the ceiling when stress is involved.). I have to not only understand the work that has to be done I then have to read, re-read, look up, ask questions, attempt to understand, and re-read as I go to try to answer any questions I later have. I never knew about this column setup before and truthfully I am shocked to find that it does actually help. When reading I used to highlight, underline, keep notes or truthfully skip over words or sentences I couldn't comprehend or just couldn't pronounce. I was very lazy in my younger school years and pretended like certain words, definitions, or sentences were not important and could be skipped or omitted from the readings I was working on. I later found out that I was wrong and it was my downfall in certain assignments. I also struggle from a learning disability that I just recently found out about which also makes it frustrating when it takes hours to do an assignment that takes others minutes to...
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