I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Essay Example

perception, being "black" and "ugly" are interchangeable terms that society has ingrained to associate blackness with ugliness and being inherently flawed.

The passage highlights that Maya's dissatisfaction with reality is apparent not only to herself but also to society, which holds a negative opinion of her. In the preface, Angelou indicates "I didn't come to stay," suggesting the recurring themes of abandonment and displacement in the novel. Maya experiences seven different homes from ages three to sixteen, and her diminishing sense of belonging is portrayed in chapter one when she wears wrist tags reading "To Whom It May Concern." This degrading treatment reinforces how others perceive Maya with little regard or respect. Their apathy undoubtedly obstructs her progress. Therefore, even when offered a fresh start in San Francisco, Maya cannot escape her anxiety and remains consumed by thoughts about whether "Mr. Freeman's name would be mentioned..." instead of embracing the new opportunity.

Whilst in San Francisco, Angelou reflects on the feeling of not belonging, remarking that "the air of collective displacement...tended to dissipate my own sense of not belonging." This feeling of displacement that Maya experienced under Mr. Freeman becomes a defining characteristic for her, even years later in San Francisco. The extent to which Angelou achieves self-actualization in I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings is questioned. Maya's lack of self-esteem and sense of belonging hinder her from becoming confident and accepting her reality. This limitation prevents her from becoming a proactive realist who can identify and solve her problems, creating a significant gap between Maya's current stage of development and her ultimate goal of self-actualization.

While it can be argued

that Angelou does make significant progress towards self-actualisation in later chapters, in chapter 32 Maya's lack of prejudice allows her to closely identify with the society established in the junkyard. She states, "I was never again to sense myself so solidly outside the pale of the human race." The junkyard community is noticeably multicultural and provides equal opportunities, which contrasts with wider American society. Maya's acceptance into this diverse group is an unusual experience considering her isolated childhood.

Angelou's acknowledgement of the significance of not prioritizing one race or gender over another is apparent in her skill to adjust in a society that esteems fairness. Inspired by her exposure to diversity and inclusivity, Angelou addresses racism and aims for equality in chapter 34. Demonstrating extraordinary resolve, she seeks employment on the streetcars of San Francisco, encountering both frustration and a dedication to defy societal conventions.

Angelou's resistance to racism reflects her growing confidence and belief in herself, highlighting her journey towards self-actualization. In the final chapter, she becomes a mother to a son but is still not mature enough to grasp the full meaning of motherhood. Consequently, her "possession becomes mixed up with motherhood," adding to her uncertainty about being a capable mother. Throughout the book, Maya encounters both positive and negative experiences as she navigates the difficulties of transitioning from a 3-year-old girl to a 16-year-old mother.

Maya's journey in the novel brings her back to a state of confidence and self-knowledge, but she hasn't fully reached self-actualization. Although the conclusion of the novel limits further exploration of Maya's growth, it's important not to assume that her development has stopped. The experiences she

goes through have the potential to greatly impact her future development. As Confucius famously said, "It doesn't matter how slowly you go - so long as you do not stop."