I know why the caged bird sings(Author- Maya Angelou) - Essay Example

“I know why the caged bird sings” by Maya Angelou The book, “I know why the caged bird sings” by Maya Angelou mainly analyzes women empowerment in the society (Chapter 9). This has been portrayed by Maya’s commitment in her life to flee from societal segregation. Women empowerment is a common issue facing women in the real world. The book, therefore, explores major strategies employed by women when dealing with inequality issues during bumpy moment of their lives (Angelou 10). In Chapter 13, the author has illustrated the hard life experiences faced by Black women in a society dominated by the Whites.

This is through establishing broad vision of black women in the American culture. Based with her childhood life, Maya focuses on her effort and struggle to overcome restrictions that have been placed upon her in antagonistic environment. In order to escape from the traditional ways of life, she frequently asks questions, which are her strategic tools to shape her strength. This is relevant to women in the modern world since they are denied chances to express their opinion. However, their voices can lead to self empowerment thus relieving them from societal bondage (Angelou 18).

Chapter 15 of the book features racism as another major issue in the society. This is depicted by Maya, who is a little Black girl brought up in a society where racism surrounds her. When Maya visits a dentist, he refuses to treat her indicating that he will rather lay his hand on his dog’s mouth than in Negro’s (Angelou 25). Racism in this book relates to the modern world where Africans are treated unequally in the American society. In Chapter 17, the author has used the life of an African American woman struggling to escape from the cruel and oppressive world.

In this case, she depicts how racism has caused oppression of African Americans, thus preventing them from getting freedom and happiness in their lives. This portrays what African Americans faces in American society before they were granted full citizenship (Angelou 31). Work citedAngelou, Maya. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Little, Brown Book Group, 2010.