I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

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Description

A phenomenal #1 bestseller that has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for nearly three years, this memoir traces Maya Angelou's childhood in a small, rural community during the 1930s. Filled with images and recollections that point to the dignity and courage of black men and... read more

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Summary

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the 1969 autobiography about the early years of African-American writer and poet Maya Angelou. The first in a six-volume series, it is a coming-of-age story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

Important People

Marguerite: Also called My or Mya, she is abandoned by her parents and goes to live with relatives in Stamps, Arkansas.
Bailey: Maya's older brother.
Momma: Maya & Bailey's paternal grandmother.
Willie: Maya & Bailey's uncle, who is a cripple.

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Memorable Quotes

“If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult.”
“If you ask a Negro where he's been, he'll tell you where he's going.”
“All knowledge is spendable currency, depending on the market.”
“At fifteen life had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice.”
“See, you don't have to think about doing the right thing. If you're for the right thing, then you do it without thinking.”

First Sentence

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Glossary

Turned to: Got busy.
Brobdingnag: A country in Swift's Gulliver's Travels that is inhabited by giants twelve times the size of humans.
Pedal pushers: Pants extending to mid-calf length.