How do the events in "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” most influence Maya Angelou’s later poem, "The Caged Bird”?
Her sessions with Mrs. Flowers gave her an understanding of how to read and write poetry.
Her childhood experiences gave her an understanding of being trapped and being free.
Her embarrassment at Momma’s uneducated speech led her to use formal language.
Her disapproval of the poverty in her town led her to make it a major part of her later work.
1 answer
The events in "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" influence Maya Angelou's later poem, "The Caged Bird,” by giving her a deep understanding of oppression and freedom. Through her own experiences of feeling trapped and limited by societal expectations and racism, Angelou was able to empathize with the caged bird in her poem. Additionally, her understanding of the power of poetry, which she gained through her interactions with Mrs. Flowers, informed her ability to convey the emotions of the caged bird in her later work. Overall, the events in her childhood and upbringing shaped her perspective and writing style, allowing her to explore themes of confinement and liberation in "The Caged Bird" with authenticity and depth.