...I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the 1969 autobiography about the early years of African-American writer and poet Maya Angelou. The first in a seven-volume series, it is a coming-of-age story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. The book begins when three-year-old Maya and her older brother are sent to Stamps, Arkansas, to live with their grandmother and ends when Maya becomes a mother at the age of 16. In the course of Caged Bird, Maya transforms from a victim of racism with an inferiority complex into a self-possessed, dignified young woman capable of responding to prejudice. Angelou was challenged by her friend, author James Baldwin, and her editor, Robert Loomis, to write an autobiography that was also a piece of literature. Reviewers often categorize Caged Bird as autobiographical fiction because Angelou uses thematic development and other techniques common to fiction, but the prevailing critical view characterizes it as an autobiography, a genre she attempts to critique, change, and expand. The book covers topics common to autobiographies written by Black American women in the years following the civil rights movement: a celebration of Black motherhood; a critique of racism; the importance of family; and the quest for independence, personal dignity, and self-definition. Angelou uses her autobiography to explore subjects such as identity, rape, racism, and literacy. She also writes in new ways about...
Words: 452 - Pages: 2
...Natural Effects on a Boy Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Confessions has the entire life of its author’s experiences, virtues, and detailed imperfections. Rousseau’s Confessions is one of the first notable autobiographies and has influenced many forms of narratives. It inaugurated modern day autobiography and inspired a narrative technic used in many great novels. Rousseau wrote this autobiography in order to tell the world about himself and express the nature of man. He did not want to be known by how people thought of him, but rather be able to tell people exactly what happened in his life and let them be the judge. Rousseau begins Confessions by stating, “this is the only portrait of a man, painted exactly according to nature and in all of its truth, that exists and will probably ever exist” (57). He included embarrassing experiences and personal thoughts from throughout his life to show every possible virtue of his life. He portrays what every boy encounters from mischievous trickery to entering sexual adulthood. The events that change his life and himself become a consistent theme while he describes his childhood, sexual cravings, and natural thoughts of a boy’s life. One of the most common subjects in Rousseau autobiography is the story of his childhood and the nature of a boy. Rousseau’s mother passed away during his birth, which strained the relation between him and his father. When they tried to speak of her the conversation would end with tears because his father saw Rousseau’s...
Words: 1263 - Pages: 6
...HOW TO ANALYSE SOURCES ANALYSING OF SOURCES Historical criticism.-> Original document? How, when, and why did it come into being? Where does it come from? Who is the author or the cartoonist or the cameraman? 2 critical questions: Could the witness possibly have known the truth? Did the witness wish to tell the truth? EVALUATING OF SOURCES Authenticity? (are there factual errors in the source?) Reliability? (how long after the event was the source produced?) Bias/Prejudice? Subjectivity VS objectivity? Historians have an issue, the source is problematic (biased, emotions, etc) and the historian is a human writer. To guard oneself from being manipulated by bias sources, one must cross-reference. This means one must analyse a few sources and then synthesise their own conclusion. QUESTIONS WHICH ASK YOU TO COMPARE IN THE TEST OR EXAM Generally sources can have two characteristics with each other. They are either similar or they are contradictory/different with each other. One should consider the following aspects when answering these types of exam questions: What are the similarities(1) and the differences(2) between the sources? How do these sources complement each other(3)? Which of these sources provides a more accurate viewpoint on the topic(4)? QUESTIONS WHICH ASK YOU TO USE ALL THE SOURCES This is an eight mark question which comes prior to the essay. One is required to write approximately 10-15 lines;...
Words: 744 - Pages: 3
...López de Córdoba, a Spanish noblewoman, wrote her Memorias, which may be the first autobiography in Castillian. Zāhir ud-Dīn Mohammad Bābur,who founded the Mughal dynasty of South Asia kept a journal Bāburnāma (Chagatai/Persian: بابر نامہ; literally: "Book of Babur" or "Letters of Babur") which was written between 1493 and 1529. One of the first great autobiographies of the Renaissance is that of the sculptor and goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini (1500–1571), written between 1556 and 1558, and entitled by him simply Vita (Italian: Life). He declares at the start: "No matter what sort he is, everyone who has to his credit what are or really seem great achievements, if he cares for truth and goodness, ought to write the story of his own life in his own hand; but no one should venture on such a splendid undertaking before he is over forty."[2] These criteria for autobiography generally persisted until recent times, and most serious autobiographies of the next three hundred years conformed to them. Another autobiography of the period is De vita propria, by the Italian mathematician, physician and astrologer Gerolamo Cardano (1574). The earliest known autobiography in English is the early 15th-century Booke of Margery Kempe, describing among other things her pilgrimage to the Holy Land and visit to Rome. The book remained in manuscript and was not published until 1936. Notable English autobiographies of the 17th century include those of Lord Herbert of Cherbury (1643, published 1764)...
Words: 284 - Pages: 2
...The page before Donald M. Murray’s “All Writing is Autobiography” warns readers that Murray’s opinion on writing is different from most other opinions. Prior to reading Murray’s article, I agreed with those opinions which included the rule: never use the word “I” in a formal paper. While writing this paper, I feel a strong urge to erase the words “I agreed” and rewrite the entire page in a more formal manner. Murray’s article changed my idea of the writing process by making me realize that every piece of writing is autobiographical whether or not an author is writing objectively through word choice, sentence structure, metaphors, and even punctuation. A reader can learn much about an author through his or her word choice. An author’s diction may seem more colloquial or more obscure and academic depending on his or her personality. Murray demonstrates how an author can use creativity by creating words when he uses the words “squenched and “companioned” in his poem “At 64, Talking Without Words.” Though these are not words one would find in a dictionary, they are understood by readers and aid in defining the author. Sentence structure is an important piece of writing. An author may utilize a run-on sentence or a one-worded sentence in order to create a point or emphasize one, however grammatically incorrect the sentence may be. Charlotte Brontë, for example, frequently uses run-one sentences in order to complete a thought without the interruption of a period. Authors may...
Words: 398 - Pages: 2
...In the book "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X ,and Alex Haley, the authors inform us about Malcolm's life. The authors structure and style Malcolm's life revolved around many things that caused Malcolm to do everything that he did. The structure was organized from his early to his adult life. The things that influenced Malcolm's life the most were his education,his family,and religion. Malcolm was considered to be an intelligent person, However many doubted him. In the book it says " It was surprising thing that I had never thought of it that way before, but I realized that what ever I wasn't, I was smarter than nearly all of white kids. But apparently I was still not intelligent enough, in their...
Words: 400 - Pages: 2
...believed in success. However his life was not perfect. He knows that as well. Therefore, he works hard to improve himself in so many different ways. Although Benjamin Franklin life was not perfect, his autobiography is a compass that can direct many to the path of success. The youngest of a large family of thirteen, Benjamin Franklin had a hard time living his life to attend the success that he wanted. Everything in life matters to him. However, his biggest problem was when he could not get the education he wanted. He was a friend of books; he liked reading anecdotes from which he learned important principles that his ancestors left. According to the reading, his love for study pushed him to sell business. Many people today would not take such decision. However, Franklin knew what he was doing. He prioritized education over money because he believed that there are better riches in knowledge than in money. The results of his action were amazing. Those results cannot be bought with money. He made different discoveries that gained him reputation throughout Europe. Franklin did not keep all the successful principles for himself. Therefore, he made them word in other to pass them on from generation to generation. Many believe that Franklin did not know that his autobiography would be that popular all over the globe. He thought that he was writing to his son only. It seems many take this work a guide of success. For example, in Haiti, many people who do have almost nothing...
Words: 492 - Pages: 2
...INITIALS TYPE OF CONNECTION LOCATION FREQUENCY OF CONNECTION MODE OF CONNECTION SAI FRIEND CANADA DAILY Face-to-face NARENDRA FRIEND INDIA MONTHLY telephone NAVEEN FRIEND INDIA MONTHLY telephone ALI FRIEND INDIA MONTHLY telephone DEEPAK FRIEND INDIA MONTHLY telephone MAHIDAR FRIEND CANADA MONTHLY Face-to-face NEELESH FRIEND CANADA DAILY Face-to-face SAI KIRAN RELATIVE BRAZIL MONTHLY telephone BHASKAR FRIEND CANADA DAILY Face-to-face ANISH FRIEND CANADA DAILY Face-to-face SATISH FRIEND CANADA DAILY Face-to-face ASHISH BROTHER US MONTHLY telephone ABHILASH BROTHER AUSTRALIA MONTHLY telephone ABHINAV BROTHER AUSTRALIA MONTHLY Telephone KALYAN RELATIVE US DAILY Telephone PREETHI FRIEND INDIA DAILY Telephone SRAVYA FRIEND DOHA MONTHLY Text messaging AISHWARYA FRIEND US DAILY Telephone MADHULIKA FRIEND INDIA MONTHLY Text messaging BALU FRIEND US DAILY Text messaging ARAVIND FRIEND INDIA MONTHLY Text messaging ESWAR FRIEND INDIA MONTHLY Text messaging JOHN RELATIVE CANADA MONTHLY Telephone PRASAD RELATIVE US YEARLY Text messaging RAJITHA FRIEND CANADA DAILY Face-to-face ANITHA FRIEND CANADA DAILY Face-to-face TEJA FRIEND CANADA DAILY Face-to-face FAHEEM CLASSMATE CANADA DAILY Face-to-face HARISH CLASSMATE CANADA DAILY Face-to-face KRANTHI CLASSMATE CANADA DAILY Face-to-face KATHE CLASSMATE CANADA DAILY Face-to-face RANJITH FRIEND CANADA DAILY Face-to-face SAMPATH FRIEND US YEARLY Telephone HAPPY CLASSMATE CANADA DAILY Face-to-face VASANTHI...
Words: 1328 - Pages: 6
...agreements among the owners in that they go by “for the good of the league as a whole.” Single entity structure is different than the traditional structure. In a single entity structure, teams argue that they are a single entity because it offers a league-generated entertainment product rather than a collection of individual entities in an economic competition with one another (Sharp). There have been cases about single entity structures. One case was when a group of soccer players from the MLS sued the league. The players stated that the MLS used the single entity structure as an attempt to restrain any trades by limiting economic competition among teams as well as the MLS was depressing player salaries. In the end, the courts ruled against the players upholding the validity of the single entity structure. The way the MLS is set up is unique in that it is a combination of elements from a single entity structure along with some elements from a traditional structure league. This case was Fraser v. Major League Soccer in 2002....
Words: 569 - Pages: 3
...begins his Autobiography by stating the reasons for writing it. He wished to share his life story with his son and tell him anecdotes about his ancestors. Since Franklin had grown up in a poor family, he wished to share his rags to riches story with others as they may be inspired to do better. Franklin knew he could not relive his life and in fact would not have changed much of it had he been given the opportunity to live it over, but he wished to relive those memories from his early life through his manuscript. Another reason was that, through writing, he would not bore people as he would have by telling his stories in person. And finally, he wrote it for himself to satisfy his own ego and sense of self-worth. The story of how the Benjamin Franklin Autobiography became published is a story in itself. It was intended as a private collection and not supposed to be made public. However, based on the number of copies made before he died, it is hard to believe that he did not intend for it to be seen by all. As the story is read, different views can be ascertained. This would depend on various reasons but my thoughts are that it is also self-promoting in some ways. As Franklin offers stories of his early life, he is offering evidence that anyone can make it if they strive to improve upon what they have accomplished thus far. The story of his ancestry and early years is an intriguing glimpse into the inner workings of the family during this period. The Autobiography begins with...
Words: 1188 - Pages: 5
...Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, printer, scientist, statesman, wrote an Autobiography that poses a riddle never completely solved: How could such an incomplete, disjointed, inaccurate, mangled manuscript be so perennially popular? Translated into dozens of languages and reprinted in hundreds of editions, it continues to be one of the most successful books of all time, even though Franklin himself is sometimes viewed with suspicion by the haters of industry and frugality. An answer to the riddle of the Autobiography is partially hinted at by the ways in which it has been described, for if it has not been all things to all men, it has at least been remarkable to most men who have read it. Its most admired qualities have changed as fashions, philosophies, and needs have changed. But, significantly, the book continues to survive such changes From the first line, Franklin's Autobiography illustrates the complex character of the man who wrote it, not only through the facts it states but also through the attitudes it reveals. The productive tension in Franklin's nature between the lighthearted and the earnest is evident by the end of the first paragraph. While Franklin starts his account as a paternal (and presumably chatty) letter to his son, he soon begins the formal statement about his worthy purposes — the rationalizations for the work to follow — which one expects of highly serious eighteenth-century treatises. But after presenting three respectable reasons for writing, Franklin...
Words: 3434 - Pages: 14
...The Autobiography of Malcolm X was written by both Malcom X and journalist Alex Haley. Malcom X would tell Alex Haley his life story, Haley would write down Malcom's story in first person with Malcom editing and approving what was created. Malcolm Little was born May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the fourth of seven children having Louise Helen Little and Earl Little as parents. His father was the leader of the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Malcom and his family later moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin then Lansin Michigan due to threats made by the Black Legion who were a racist white group. In 1931, Malcom's father was killed in a streetcar accident, although his mother believes it was the Black Legion's doing. Malcom Little...
Words: 314 - Pages: 2
...I. September Facts A. 265th day of the year 1. 100 days left until the end of this year 2. Ends summer, brings the season fall B. Signs 1. Virgo is the zodiac sign of somebody who was born in September 2. The modern birthstone for this month is Sapphire 3. Agate is the mystical birthstone 4. The ox represents September 5. The September element is fire C. 22 of September in 1997 1. The day of this week was Monday a. Second day to start the week b. The Spanish translation for Monday is lunes 2. A person born on this day will be sixteen years old today a. If this same person saved a nickel everyday starting at the age of five, then by now that person would have accumulated $210.20 today b. Assuming this same person is alive and kicking II. Famous Deaths A. Bryan Woods 1. Soldier/clerk 2. Dies at age 76. B. Eric William Hunter Christie 1. Barrister 2. Dies at age 77 C. George Bryan Ingham 1. Artist 2. Dies at age 61 a. Studied at St. Martin’s School of Art, located in London b. Taught by Frederick Gore and A Ziegler 3. Exhibitions a. 2003-4, Bryan Ingham Prints, Belgrave Gallery, St. Ives b. 2006, Fine Arts Society D. Ruth Picardie 1. Journalist, editor 2....
Words: 1154 - Pages: 5
...How to best improve my professional sports team The offseason should be the most productive time of the year for any team, in any sport. It has proven to make or break teams, time and time again. As a coach of a very successful MLS soccer team, my focus will be centered on improving the following three points; team dynamics, group cohesion, and individual leadership. By optimizing all three of these characteristics I hope to build a much stronger team and win the league championship. My first point is focused on enhancing team dynamics. The first step in this is making my group of individuals feel as if they are a team of one, and not just a group of athletes who happen to be on the same team. As the text states, “Although all teams are groups, not all groups can be considered teams (Weinberg & Gould 2011).” In order to turn my group of athletes into a team I must first focus on creating a productive environment. This includes building social support amongst teammates. In order to accomplish this I might hold team meetings before and after every practice in which I encourage teammates to talk about on or off field pressures or experiences. In doing this I am strengthening the teams listening support as well as their emotional support. I might also try to improve my team’s distinctiveness in order to improve their unity. I might introduce a new nickname for this group of guys, or maybe design an emblem or logo, anything to set my team apart from any other team, past or...
Words: 771 - Pages: 4
...Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. It may not seem like it because football is most popular in North America but soccer is the most popular sport in the world. My perspective is that if there were more soccer stadiums, more federations, and more soccer associations in the United States it might be more popular than football is in North America. Soccer is probably very popular because it is the first team sport a kid will probably play in their life because football and baseball are for kids a little older as they are more dangerous sports. Because soccer is as popular as it is all other brands are trying to get in on the sales of shin-guards, cleats, socks, and soccer balls. Adidas was originally the first major brand for soccer, now Nike is trying to get a piece of the sales, and also Underarmour is starting to make its way into soccer merchandise. Soccer is a very easily understood and exciting sport. A soccer game can change in a matter of 30 seconds. When in a football game it can take some time. Soccer is an easily likable sport and it is easily understood. Soccer is more exciting than any other sport as there are no boundaries on what you could do. The only boundary is fouling and that you can’t use your hands. Soccer is an attention-grabbing sport and it can be easily played. All you need are shoes and a soccer ball. Other sports you would need a hoop or a field and soccer is more easily played. There are hundreds of soccer stadiums in Europe and other...
Words: 487 - Pages: 2