Name_____________________________
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
By Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou became known as one of America’s foremost contemporary literary figures. She read her
poetry at the inauguration of a president, appeared in theatrical productions throughout the world, taught at a
university, and even befriended and mentored Oprah. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the first book in a
series that tells her life story. This segment covers her childhood years in the dusty, agricultural town of
Stamps, Arkansas and her teen years in California. The book has been touted “a heroic and beautiful book”
which shares the heart of the “black aesthetic.” It does so in the universal context of a young girl growing up
and finding herself. For these reasons, as well as for Angelou’s moving prose, this autobiography appears on
several published book lists for the most significant books for the college bound reader to experience.
Early in the book, Angelou writes of her struggle to grow up in a culture that afforded little opportunities for a
talented, sensitive young black girl saying,
“If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the
razor that threatens the throat.
It is an unnecessary insult.”
It will be your job as the reader to trace the experiences which made life a challenge for Maya, making her
feel as a caged bird feels. In doing so, it may afford you a better understanding of the “Black Experience.”
It also may enable you to recognize some common challenges you face as you grow up.
The book contains two objectionable elements that you may want to share with your parents or discuss with
me. One of Angelou’s greatest trials as a child occurred when she was raped by her mother’s boyfriend.
The memory of that scene is depicted as one a child must traumatically face in order to conquer it.
Nevertheless, the images are graphic and disturbing. Later, in attempting to find her own sexual identity,
Maya seeks out a one-night stand that ultimately has long lasting consequences. Should these true-life
sequences cause a problem or objection for you, please contact me. It will be possible for you to read a
replacement book.
Vocabulary
rakishly
unprofane
nonchalance
apparitions
abominations
servile
heinous
indignity
anachronism
anonymity
opulent
bourgeoisie
impudent
elocution
A. In the space below write a paragraph describing three social problems or prejudices
which shaped Angelou’s philosophy of equality and self-respect. Use at least five of the
vocabulary words listed above to discuss the problems and situations Angelou
encountered in her life. Use texts from the book to help illustrate her feelings towards
these events or problems.
B. Describe the following people and explain how they affected Angelou.
Momma-
Bailey-
Uncle Willy-
Grandmother Baxter-
Mrs. Flowers-
Mrs. Cullinan-
Louise-
Mr. Freeman-
Henry Reed-
Mother-(Vivian Baxter)
Miss Kirwin-
DaddyC. Research one of the following historical people or events mentioned in Angelou’s
autobiography. Explain how your research compares to what the book recounted about
this idea. Discuss how this section of Angelou’s story affected her.
Klu Klux Klan
Segregation effects on education of African Americans
Depression’s effect on African American field workers
Joe Louis’s Boxing Title
Jim Crow Laws
Japanese Internment Camps
D. Address the theme of hope. Choose five events in Angelou’s life to show why she
maintains hope even in the midst of pain.
Reason for Hope
Pages and Quotations
E. In the space below, list 5-10 things that happened in the book to show that Maya was
growing up. Share the event and the text. Explain your choices when necessary.
Grown up action and Explanation
F. Journal Writing: “ I have felt like Maya did when…”
The Quote that most impacted me was…. Because….
Use the back of this sheet for additional space.
Pages and Quotation
The Great Gatsby
Study Guide
Summer Reading-Honors 10
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a novel depicting the frivolity and the
irresponsibility of the 1920’s. The story is a great love story tracing one man’s
devotion to a woman over the course of many years that included a war and his own
rise to power. It is also a convicting tale that characterizes a wealthy class that lives
a life of self-aggrandizement and self-indulgence that impacts all they encounter. It
is a modernistic response of disillusionment to a lifestyle that characterized the age
but ruined Fitzgerald’s own family.
Section 1-1. Write down your honest initial reaction to the introduction to Gatsby.
2. How is your attitude affected by the fact that Fitzgerald himself, prior to publishing
Gatsby, said, “I want to write something new-something extraordinary and beautiful
and simple + intricately patterned”?
3. List three adjectives to describe the narrator. Give three reasons why this
description is important to you as a reader.
4. Why is Gatsby “great”? Considering these questions, what do you feel you should
be looking for as you read this book.
Background Work: Research one of the following historical concepts. Write a brief
paragraph comparing what you found out to Gatsby. Explain how the idea impacts the
novel.
Prohibition
Bootlegging
The Black Sox Scandal
Flappers
Chapters 1-2-Describe and analyze the importance of the following in
chapters 1-2.
East Egg-
West EggTom and Daisy Buchanan’s relationshipThe narrator and his job-
Myrtle Wilson-
T.J. Eckleburg and the Valley of Ashes-
The apartment in the city-
People’s attitudes toward Gatsby-
Chapters 3-4-Describe and analyze the importance of the following in
chapters 3-4.
Gatsby’s party-
The owl-eyed man-
Jordan Baker and honesty-
Mr. WolfsheimTom and Daisy’s weddingChapters 5-6-Describe and analyze the importance of the following in
chapters 5-6.
The tea at Nick’s houseThe clock on the mantelGatsby’s shirts-
Gatsby’s perception of the green light-
Dan Cody-
The encounter between Gatsby/Mr. Sloane/ the woman/and Tom-
The movie star and her director at Gatsby’s party-
Chapters 7-8-Describe and analyze the importance of the following in
chapters 7-8.
Daisy’s daughterWilson’s discovery and decision about his wife-
Gatsby’s car-
The demand Gatsby makes of Daisy-
The accident-
Gatsby’s behavior after the accident-
Post Reading Activity: In a well written paragraph that includes a topic sentence,
explain why The Great Gatsby is indicative of modernist thought. Give at least three
examples from the novel itself to prove your point. Include a couple of quotes from
the book that demonstrate modernistic beliefs.