Humor as a Mask for Anguish in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Summary :
Table of Contents
- One source of anguish that Maya tries to tickle with humor is her position as an African American.
- Maya's grandmother (Momma) is at the center of another African American-white encounter.
- Another source of anguish for Maya is her looks.
- Maya's less-than-perfect father also is a potential point of distress.
- A final aspect of Maya's life in which humor is used is in her copings with sexuality.
Abstract
As the quote from The New York Times points out on the back cover of I know why the caged bird sings, Maya Angelou's novel is "Simultaneously touching and comic." Through language, choice of detail, and the story itself, Angelou introduces humor and comic relief to a narrative filled with sadness, loneliness, and fear. The purpose of the humor goes well beyond entertainment purposes, as it is used by Maya as a type of defense mechanism. In I know why the caged bird sings, humor is used to mask deep hurt in an attempt to lesson emotional distress.
Latest in the category : Literature
3
We are what we repeat: Repetition and identity construction in Derrida and Butler
Term papers | 10/27/2009 | en | .doc | 4 pages
4
Analysis of - There eyes were watching god by Zora Neale Hurston
Book review | 10/21/2009 | en | .doc | 3 pages
Most downloaded in the last 30 days : Literature
Change Currency
Our guarantee :
How it works?
Quality guaranteed
Refunds
Secure payment
Who are we ?
