I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

Reading Response

In the beginning of the book, Maya is not suffering like a typical black female in the united states. Maya nevertheless feels that people judge her unfairly due to her dark skin. She daydreams that she is a blond-haired, blue-eyed girl trapped in a "black ugly dream" and will soon wake up and reveal her true self. Besides the general difficulties associated with growing up as a black girl in the South, the South presents Maya with three main social obstacles, white prejudice, black powerlessness, and female subjugation. Maya also endures many hardships in her lifetime. Maya's parents abandoned her and her brother when Maya was three, she is raped by Mr. Freeman, she directly experiences racism, Mrs. Cullinan tries to demean her and change her name, dentist Dr. Lincoln says he would rather stick his hand in a dog's mouth than treat Maya's problem, and the list continues throughout her life.

Maya's older brother, Bailey is the most important person in Maya's life throughout her childhood. When moved around from place to place, Bailey and Maya depend on each other for stability and continuity in their lives. Bailey uses his skills and status to protect Maya. With his charms, he defends her against criticism and insults. Bailey and Maya share not just the bad parts of life but also private jokes and a love of language and poetry.

Bailey explains to Maya early on that when he senses the negative effects of racism, he simply puts his soul to sleep so that he forgets what has happened.

Bailey and Maya grow further apart as they go through life. Even so, Maya continues to confide in him, asking for advice about her pregnancy and all other aspects of her life that she wants help with. He continues to show his love for her as well, replying quickly to his sister and giving caring advice.