“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” Class Notes

Important Facts About Angelou Born April 4, 1928 in Saint Louis, Missouri Given name was Marguerite Johnson. 1940-1944 lived in San Francisco Graduated high school at 16 Was given the name Maya Angelou after her debut performance as a dancer at the Purple Onion cabaret.

Important Facts About Angelou 1961- Worked as an SCLC coordinator, co-produced musical revue called “Cabaret for Freedom” 1961- Moved to Egypt, married, became a reporter 1963- marriage ended – moved to Ghana Worked as a reporter and became an administrator at the School of Music and Drama

Important Facts About Angelou 1966- returned to the U.S Wrote a ten part series for a television show called “Black Blues Black” 1966-1970 Wrote “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” - a chronicle of her life up to age sixteen

Important Facts About Angelou Author of novels and poems Has written twelve best-selling books Playwright Professional stage and screen producer Director Performer Singer.

The Clinton Connection January 1993 became the second poet in U.S. History to write and recite original work at Clinton’s Presidential Inauguration.

Terms to Know Allusion Autobiography Biography Metaphor Imagery A reference to another literary work, a famous person, place, or event. Autobiography An account of a person’s life written by that person and told from the first point of view. Biography A fictional account of someone’s life Metaphor The comparison of one thing to another without the use of like or as Imagery Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses.

Terms to Know Irony Verse Stanza Personification A contrast between appearance and reality.. Reality is the opposite from what it seems Verse A line in poetry Stanza A group of lines in poetry Personification Giving an object, animal, or idea human characteristics