Name_____________________________ I Know Why the Caged [PDF]

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.