I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou - Essay Example

1. Maya narrates several instances involving her grandmother, Momma Henderson. 2. In every scene, Angelou explores on morals she learns from Momma on how she dealt with life, racism, and poverty. II. Momma demonstrates how calm approach can turn the tables and win the situation. A. White young girls in their own Store ridicule Momma (Angelou and Mickle 29). 1. The scene depicts the dangers of racism lurking around the corners of every black neighborhood. 2. Momma shows calm exterior and mature courage in the face of cruelty. 3. The girls feel embarrassed by their actions (Megna-Wallace 17). 4. Momma’s reaction to the situation creates an impact on Angelou’s character. III. Momma shows that ethics of necessity is acceptable if it brings about greater justice (Megna-Wallace 121). A. A white dentist refuses to treat Angelou’s toothache . 1. Momma reminds the dentist that her money helped the dentist save his occupation in the past. 2. The dentist shows ungrateful character and racist state-of-mind. 3. Momma weighs the situation and decides to charge the dentist for interest on the past loan. 4. The story shows that Momma reacts to a situation by deciding to perform an act that will provide the greatest justice with the least harm. IV. Wisdom in the two situations stated above can be applied to current issues. 1. If there are people who are skeptical about the claims of global warming, the solid resolution may be hard to reach collectively. 2. Consider those who believe in the hazards of global warming. 3. Consider those who do not believe in the status and claims of the global warming issue. 4. Not using threats of the hazards of global warming may be more effective in gaining the support of the citizens. 5. A unifying belief should be upheld to gain the most support in the easiest way. V. Conclusion A.

Aggression, threat, and violence do not always resolve issues. B. A better way of resolution, such as compromise, should be the first choice in resolving conflicts. Presenting Solutions the Momma Henderson Way Maya Angelou is a civil-rights activist whose works in the arts include theater, film, and writing. Her book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” that was nominated for the National Book Award, was published in 1969 as the first in her series of five autobiographies. The book includes Angelou’s sensitive portrayals of her sexuality and experiences as a child.

Several scenes in the book show her grandmother’s, Momma Henderson, display of grace under pressure. It is obvious particularly when they encounter disrespect, due to being impoverished blacks, from white people (Megna-Wallace 7-8). If people only know that preserving inner dignity does not necessarily entail aggressiveness, violence or revenge, it will be more possible to create a win-win situation, with the underdogs gaining respect in the end. In one scene, some white girls approached the Store and threw taunting words at Momma Henderson, but Momma reacts with dignity and faith, thus demonstrating values that Angelou did not forget throughout her life (Angelou and Mickle 29).

This confrontation is an example of the open dangers of racism during that time, yet Momma refuses to retreat inside their Store and show cowardice and accept defeat. Momma reacts to the girls with cool poise and maturity, silently sending her message that she is stronger and better than them (Angelou and Mickle 30).