I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

The structure of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is thematic, rather than chronological, which makes it stand out among other coming-of-age autobiographies. Using specific examples from the text, explain how and for what purpose Angelou utilizes the non-chronological narrative.

What techniques, common to fiction, but less characteristic of autobiography, does Angelou use in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings? List specific examples and explain what purpose they serve in the text. 

Analyze how the memoir explores the interconnection between racism and poverty in 20th century America.

Throughout the memoir, Maya finds herself in different settings, from the rural South to St. Louis to San Francisco to Mexico. These settings change often, as if mirroring the opening lines of the book, “I didn’t come to stay” (1). How does young Maya manage to thrive in all these different locations?

Momma Henderson, Mrs. Bertha Flowers and Miss Kirwin are among the many female role models who helped Maya shape her self-awareness. How does Maya respond to their influence?

Compare Angelou’s depiction of the racial relations, poverty, and Christian fundamentalism in the American South in the 1930s with another author’s. Analyze how their perspectives differ or coincide.

What progress, or lack thereof, has been made to resolve the issues foregrounded by Angelou in her memoir?

Analyze I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings as an example of Bildungsroman. Does it adhere to the typical characteristics of the genre in its structure, themes, and plot devices?