So far this book has been so enlightening and still holds lessons that need to be addressed today. Maya foreshadows the darkness of themes in her book with just the simple title I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Her idea of being trapped in her own dark thoughts and memories really are brought to life in the beginning chapters. Maya at such a young age was a victim of sexual misconduct and the way she describes the situation she was in is horrifying to say the least. However the real statement comes right after the incident, Maya was too afraid to speak about her encounter with the molester because she was embarrassed of what her family would think. Maya blamed herself for being naive and vulnerable and couldn’t help but think she would be labeled by society if she spoke out. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you” (Angelou 68). This quote really spoke to me in the sense that we still see victims of sexual abuse 50 years later going through the same troubles. It’s alarming to think that societal views haven’t changed that much on the topic of something so prevalent in today’s world. Maya’s innocence at a young age hindered her abilities to speak out, yet today we see that even grown women are hindered from speaking out because of the lack of support that is in the system today. Angelou reflects on the situation by telling the readers how she felt so trapped and wished she had spoken out that day. That feeling is what we need to eradicate from the minds of adolescents and older, if we want to make a difference in the coming years.
Angelou actively uses extended metaphors to convey the deep messages that she has been through. The poetic language still allures me into reading every chapter and just the simple flow of her words grasps my attention. I think that Angelou specifically uses this flow when she writes to give her metaphors more meaning. Her depth is attached with emotion and her book essentially reads like a poem in some ways. I’m interested in reading more soon, and learning more life lessons too.
I was also shocked by how Marguerite didn’t say much about how she was sexually assaulted, and it was really sad to see her childhood innocence get taken down. I focused on how Angelou included her reactions while looking back onto the event as an adult, but I love how you connected Angelou’s story to society today. To be honest, I didn’t notice the effects of her flow until you pointed it out, but it’s been teaching me life lessons too!
You’re first paragraph is quite relevant and stands alone. I agree that the topics discussed in the novel are still alarmingly prevelant in today’s society. I have always looked up to Maya Angelou as a leader, and her descision to share these raw stories shows incredible bravery in my eyes. I slightly mentioned the same metaphors in my response, while focusing specifically on the religious references. I enjoyed reading your response, and I am curious what the topic of your essay will be.
Your*
Thank you for sharing, Abby! First, you’ve chosen a very poignant quote here that I think embodies the essence of Angelou’s message. Second, I’m wondering if you should further investigate the extended metaphors. What is being compared to extend Maya’s message? I’m excited for you – I believe your posts are foreshadowing an insightful analysis.