"The Bible says, he who can hear let them hear." Maya wants the world to hear her sing through her poetry. Understanding Maya Angelou's religious upbringing and faith in God is the key to understanding her as a bblack female poet and writer "caged" in the rascism of America. Her belief in God shapes her writing and gave her the courage to "sing" in a "caged racist society."

After reading Maya Angelou's book, Why the Caged Bird Sings, it was obvious that her religious background and upbringing in the church is an important key to understanding her writing. As I read her book , I came to realize the "caged bird" is symbolic of how Maya feels about life. She is the "caged bird." The cage is the racsim and pejudice in America against Blacks and females. Maya's poetry i

Her belief in God set her free to express herself without fear of reprisal. God gave Maya a gift and she uses it to honor God. Her family and church upbringing gives her the confidence and belief in herself that she can succeed base upon her her own character and God-given talents. Maya's determination and drive to succed as a poet, literally sets her free from the rascist cage she is imprisioned in both as a child and a young woman. A bird is set free when it sings whether it's caged or not. The act of singing or freely expressin oneself through poetry sets a person free. The soul and spirit cannot be caged. A true belief in God set Maya Angelou free to pursue her dreams and use the literrary talents God gave her.

s her song. God meant for birds and Maya to sing. God also meant for birds to be free. Maya's faith in God has freed her to sing her beautiful poetry.

Church gatherings are also a major influence on Maya's life. These gatherings give her a chance to learn the Word of God , and intreract with her peer and elders. Socially and spiritually, Maya finds a place where she's accepted. She learns to be free of the racial shackles that oppressed her people. She learns to sing like the " caged bird." Nothing can keep her from singing even if she and her people are caged. God gives her the faith and belief that she can do anything. Like the old Negro Hymnal states, " We shall overcome." Religious revivals bring Maya's whole c

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Approximate Word count = 1000
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)