I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Chapters 21-24, Grades 11-12

As 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' progresses through chapters 21 to 24, Maya Angelou delves into her high school years, her struggles with identity and belonging, and her aspirations for the future. These chapters also explore Maya's experiences with racism, her first serious job, and her decision to become San Francisco's first African American female streetcar conductor. This assignment will ask you to analyze how Angelou's experiences during this period contribute to the memoir's themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the fight against societal norms.

Chapter 21 introduces Maya's high school graduation, a pivotal moment in her life. How does Angelou use this event to discuss the impact of racism on the aspirations and achievements of African American students?

Maya's job as a streetcar conductor was groundbreaking for its time. What does this achievement reveal about her character, and how does Angelou use this experience to explore themes of determination and breaking societal barriers?

In these chapters, Maya's relationship with her mother evolves significantly. How does Angelou portray this development, and what does it reveal about both characters' growth and understanding of each other?

The theme of identity is central to Maya's experiences in these chapters. How does Angelou explore the complexities of Maya's racial and personal identity as she navigates her late teenage years?

Reflect on how Angelou's experiences and the people she encounters in chapters 21 to 24 contribute to her understanding of justice, equality, and her own place in the world. How do these chapters build on the memoir's overarching themes?