Selma to Montgomery March
The Essay I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is an autobiographical piece about Angelou's childhood in Stamps, Arkansas. She talks about the hardships and oppression that black southern families, in particular her family, had to face during segregation . The author Maya Angelou is an African American author, poet and civil rights activist. She has seven autobiographies published and three books of essays. Her first book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was met with critical acclaim and international recognition. She remains today one of the most influential figures in American history. Angelou's key audience in this essay is civil rights activist as she supports and illustrates non-violent protest and self-betterment. The purpose of this essay is to show how nonviolence in the face of adversity is more effective than fighting fire with fire. A key way Angelou shows her purpose is through anecdotes of her childhood. Specifically when her grandmother is being teased by white children and chooses to ignore them rather than strike back. I do believe she was effective in showing her purpose. While subtly showing her message through anecdotes she shows real life examples and lessons that convey her theme perfectly. With the autobiographical elements, Angelou first hand shows and teaches nonviolence. This better connects her with her audience. Overall I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a well-written and powerful essay that shows that nonviolence in the face of adversity is best.
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