was subjected to racism, rape, grief and dehumanization. She beared enough

emotional stress in a time frame that most people don't experience in a

lifetime. Yet she prevailed. She forced herself to become stronger. And in

doing so, she produced writings, which in turn, helped others to become

strong. Her experiences and the lessons learned gave her confidence to be a

teacher, a preacher, and an inspiration to millions. Maya Angelou was

courageous. Based on Angelou's most prestigious autobiography, I Know Why

The Caged Bird Sings, along with others, certainly reveals the occurring

hardships and misfortunes of her life.

In Maya Angelou's first published autobiography, I Know Why The

Caged Bird Sings, in 1970, she focuses in on the concept of black skin, and

the emotions and fears that come along with it. Caged Bird begins, it opens

with a symbolic presentation expressing Angelou's fears as a little girl being

stared at in church by the whites in society who looked down on the people

of colored skin. Further, Jon Zlotnik Schmidt of American Writers

separates this introduction as one of the several, in which Maya Angelou

Now in her thirties, the main character of The Heart of a Woman is

In Angelou's second autobiography, Gather Together in My Name,

resourcefulness of this woman compel your respect, and certainly you wish

reaction as a victory in self control(American Writers 3). Angelou exhibits

mother, yet still a child, fearful that she might harm her baby because of

is the matter of the needle giving

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2004
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)