I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1969

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Before You Read

Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-9

Chapters 10-12

Chapters 13-15

Chapters 16-18

Chapters 19-21

Chapters 22-24

Chapters 25-27

Chapters 28-30

Chapters 31-33

Chapters 34-36

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Religious fundamentalism, central to Maya’s life in Stamps, is an invisible yet constant presence in Momma Henderson’s home. How does it shape Maya’s worldview in her formative years, and to which extent it is reflected in her personality?

The structure of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is thematic, rather than chronological, which makes it stand out among other coming-of-age autobiographies. Using specific examples from the text, explain how and for what purpose Angelou utilizes the non-chronological narrative.

What techniques, common to fiction, but less characteristic of autobiography, does Angelou use in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings? List specific examples and explain what purpose they serve in the text.