Exploring Innocence and Identity: Maya Angelou's Autobiography

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Recommended: Maya Angelou's young life

In the novel, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, written by Maya Angelou, is the beginning of a story about a young Marguerite Johnson living in Stamps, Arkansas, stepping out into the world at a time when segregation, prejudice, and racism were all at their peak. This autobiographical novel is quite centered around the Great Depression and World War II. In chapter twelve, Maya is raped, and the themes of mistaken love, sexual identity, and theme of innocence come into play; making her question every inch of the crime and even herself. Beginning with the opening scene in chapter twelve, Maya is told by Mr. Freeman to go and grab milk at the store. He hands her some money and she is off to fetch milk. When Maya arrives back home, Mr. Freeman

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