The Role Of Mother And Family In Maya Angelou's I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

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In Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, family is dealt with in a way that is somewhat unorthodox. Maya, the autobiography’s protagonist, began her life with no relationship with and little knowledge of her mother and father. The protagonist’s guardian was her grandmother, whom she called Momma. Maya spent her early years in Stamps, Arkansas with Momma acting as the mother figure for Maya and her elder sibling Bailey. Despite having no relationship with her parents, Maya lived in a loving household with Momma, Bailey, and her disabled uncle, Willie. She was genuinely happy, and knew that she could depend on Bailey or Momma in any situation. The novel depicts Maya living without the typical nuclear family, persevering in spite of it, and making the most of the hand she was dealt. Maya never attained a proper connection with her parents. Her mother, Vivian, lived in St. Louis, Missouri with her boyfriend, Mr. Freeman, Maya’s two uncles, and her maternal grandmother. She lived with them for a short period of time when she was eight years old. When they finally met, Maya found herself in awe at the sight of her mother’s beauty. The cool mixture of a rough cordiality in the demeanor of her two uncles was astounding and impressive. Although she looked up to her family, she was raised by …show more content…

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings revolves around the concept of family. Maya’s distanced relationship with her parents is a very important feature of the novel, as it defines the way she acts in St. Louis. Momma’s constant love and perseverance gave Maya a sense of security and made her feel loved. The relationship that she shared with Bailey was substantial, and the two siblings thrived in each other’s company. The theme of family has been dealt with such substantial importance as it relates to many of the things that have influenced Maya’s beliefs, actions, and memories throughout her

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