Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri; raised in segregated Arkansas
majority of childhood with Grandmother.
EDUCATION:
Attended public schools in Stamps, Arkansas and San Francisco, California. Graduated with honors from Lafayette County Training School in 1940 at the age of 16.
CAREERS:
*author *poet
*entertainer *singer
*dancer *actor
*playwright *civil rights activist
*producer *director
*magazine editor
FACTS:
* American Author, poet, and entertainer
* Best known for portrayals of strong
African American women
* Published 11 best selling books and
numerous magazine articles earning
her Pulitzer Prize and National Book
Award nominations.
* In 1981, appointed to a lifetime p
position as the first Reynolds Professor
of American Studies at Wake Forest
University
* Wrote and delivered a poem at
Clinton's '93 inauguration
* One of the first African-American
women to hit the bestsellers list.
* Through her work in script writing and
directing, considered a groundbreaker
for black women
* Nominated for an Emmy Award for her
role in "Roots" and "Georgia"
Maya was always an excellent student in school who loved to read. She graduated with honors from Lafayette County Training School in 1940 at the age of 16. She then left Stamps to join her mother in California, where in 1945, she graduated from Mission High School. Shortly after graduation she gave birth to a son, Clyde Bailey Johnson. Maya lived her life somewhat on the edge. She supported herself, as well as her son, by dancing in nightclubs, cooking, and sometimes even prostitution. Things eventually began to go downhill and Maya wanted a new life, so Clyde was left in the care of his grandmother and out she went in search of a better way.
While in New York, Maya joined the Harlem Writers Guild and began her writing career. During this time she was also performing in theatres, as well as producing her own productions. Maya married her first husband and they moved to Egypt. Although the marriage did not last long at all, she still remained in Africa working as an editor for a local newspaper. Once she returned to the states, she was accepted as a black leader and appointed various honorary positions of leadership. It was also during this time that she published her first book, the autobiographical I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In 1981, after divorcing her third husband, she focused even more on her career writing books, screenplays, short stories, poems, and even music.
Inspired by fellow collegues, Angelou decided to gather her recollections of her childhood into an autobiography, a particular strength of black writers. She established a rigid working style: beginning with notes in longhand on yellow legal pads, she let the ideas flow. Then, supported by her Bible, dictionary, thesaurus, playing cards, ashtrays, snacks of cheese and bread, and bottles of sherry, she scored her first literary hit that was an immediate bestseller. Known as a modern classic among young adult and adult readers, this novel has earned a variety of kudos. One of the most outspoken comes from the late James Baldwin, one of Angelou's most valued friends: "this testimony from a black sister marks the beginning of an era in the minds and hearts and lives of all black men and women...Her portrait is a Biblical study of life in the midst of death." I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is an autobiographical tale about Maya Angelou's first interaction with the "real world." Like most autobiographies, the story line follows the author's memories which are colored by photos, as well as, other peoples recollections of the past. In an interview with Mary Chamberlain, Angelou suggested that the plot of the story unfolds through her creative use of narration, language, as well as, numerous flashbacks. The cleverly chosen title clearly indicates her struggle for freedom and self-worth. The prologue and beginning chapters are very much introductory, providing the reader with a clear understanding of the the setting, characters, and introducing the themes. Maya's language, which is very much that of a young girl, is very simple; yet also filled with rich and remarkable images that effectively capture both the joy and suffering of her childhood. Maya uses a variety of literary techniques to characterize and bring to life her past. This, in fact, is one of the critical highlights suggested about Maya in Lynn Bloom's commentary. Her memories are recorded in a manner using a wide variety of literary techniques ranging from simile, to alliteration, to biblical allusion. In one incident she referred to Bailey as "My pretty black brother was my kingdom come." The commentary from Contemporary Literary Criticism suggested that the positive tone of her work uplifts the reader with renewed belief in the human ability to overcome random acts of injustice in order to survive. Most of the book is composed of rising action, as Maya struggles towards self-understanding and independence. Which also, is ironically one of the main themes. The main theme of the novel is Maya's struggle to survive and grow ip in a complicated and harsh world. One of the minor themes of the novel is Maya's search for love. Maya is forced to deal with quite a few terrible incidents at a very young age; her parents divorce, raped by her mother's boyfriend, and the un-expected death of Momma. Maya's way of dealing with everything is to simply run away from it all. For months she survives, but eventually she realizes she can't go on like this. She is more determined now more than ever to deal with her struggles independently. She moves back with her mother, gets a job as the first woman streetcar conductor, turns up pregnant, yet still remains to graduate with honors. Her journey in search of belongingness ends with motherhood, irnoically the failed source which sparked Maya's soulful journey. For the first time in her life, she truly feels needed, finds the love she's been looking for, she's connected, and most importantly strong.
AUTOBIOGRAPHIES:
* 1970- I Know Why the Caged Bird
Sings
* 1974- Gather Together in My Name
* 1976- Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas
* 1981- The Heart of a Woman
* 1986- All God's Children Need
Traveling Shoes
PERSONAL ESSAYS:
* 1993- Wouldn't Take Nothing for my
Journey Now
* 1997- Even the Stars Look Lonesome
CHILDREN'S BOOKS:
* 1993- Life Doesn't Frighten Me
CLARKSON POTTER:
* 1994- My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me
* 1996- Kofi and his Magic
POETRY:
* 1971- Just Give Me a Cool Drink of
Water 'Fore I Diie
* 1975- Oh Pray My Wings are Gonna
Fit Me Well
* 1978- And Still I Rise
* 1983- Shaker, Why Don't You Sing
* 1987- Now Sheba Sings the Songs
* 1993- On the Pulse of Morning
* 1994- The Complete Collected Poems
of Maya Angelou
* 1995- Phenomenal Woman
* 1995- A Brave and Startling Truth
* 1995- From a Black Woman to a
Black Man
*1997- Extravagant Spirits
Bloom, Lynn Z. "Maya Angelou," Dictionary of Literary Biography,
Vol. 38. Detroit: Gale Research, 1985.
Very concise information provided on both Angelou, her
numerous works, and her style. Provides the reader with a
collection of both primary and secondary information. Somewhat
timely, but absolutely worthwhile for anyone interested in Angelou.
Chamberlain, Mary. "Maya Angelou and Rosa Parks," Writing Lives:
Conversation Between Women Writers. London: Virago, 1988, 1-23.
Excellent source of information on Angelou. Includes her own
personal feelings, views, and comments. Provides the reader with
insight on her "true" character. Was very interesting to not only
read what Angelou had to say, but also Rosa Parks. Definately a
change in your typical sources on information about authors. I
really enjoyed this one.
Contemporary Literary Criticism, Vol. 12. Detroit: Gale Research, 1979.
Extremely informative summary on not only Angelou, but also her
work. Provided the reader with a variety of viewpoints on the style
and overall appearance of her publications. Somewhat unclear in
certain areas, as well as timely. In the end, provided helpful
information. Good source for analysis of work.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Random House / Bantam Books
New York: 1970
1. Explain the meaning of the title and why it is appropriate for the book.
2. Describe Maya at the beginning of the book and contrast her to the young lady she becomes at
the end of the book.
3. Contrast Bailey and Maya in terms of their coping skills.
4. Describe Momma and what influence she has on Maya's life.
5. Discuss the various themes throughout the book.
Below are two of my favorite sites that I found on Maya Angelou. They are both very informative and I encourage everyone to check them out!
www. ma.com/LongBio.html
www.empirezire.com/spotlight/maya/maya1.htm