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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the first of many autobiographical works of Maya Angelou. The work follows the life of young Maya (Marguerite) through periods of stability and security until she becomes a teenage mother. A deep strength emerges from this young girl as she moves into adulthood. The strength helps her create her song, one of dignity and purpose. Issues addressed in this work include sexual abuse, growing up amid racial prejudice, and growing in self-esteem.
Each lesson provides a brief summary for the teacher and works with particular literary devices or themes. Students identify significant themes, recognize literary allusions, research using local resources, interview, write creatively, participate in small- and large-group discussions, view film, write critiques, write a script for a news broadcast, and identify motifs. The work deals with several topics that may be further researched. Supplementary materials list optional research topics. A quiz and a list of short essay topics are included at the end of this curriculum unit.
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