Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Maya

 

            Marguerita Johnson, whose pen name is Maya Angelou, was born in St.com) Although Maya is most commonly known for her work as a poet, she was also an author, playwright, stage and screen producer, director, and singer. (Angelou, 7). .
             Throughout Maya's childhood, she moved back and forth, between her mother's house and her grandmother's house. In 1936, during a visit to her mother's house, her mother's boyfriend raped Maya. She was only 8 years old. She was forced to testify against him in court, but a few days before the trial, the defendant was found beaten to death, allegedly by Maya's uncles. Maya took the whole experience very hard, and became mute for five years. She moved back to Stamps Arkansas, which is where she discovered poetry. Poetry is what helped her get over her tragedy. (Biography.com).
             Maya had a tough childhood, and an even harder life as an adult. After she had her son, her husband left her. She had to have many different jobs in order to feed her son and herself. They included being a waitress and being a prostitute. In 1947, a white sales clerk was ridiculing Maya, so she started a fight with him. Her grandmother sent her back to live with her mother, because she was afraid there would be an attack by the Ku Klux Klan. (Modern, 219,220) Later in her early adulthood, Maya tried to enlist in the United States Army. She was turned down because her childhood school was suspected to be a training ground for future communists. (Biography.com).
             Although Maya's poetry and books are like by many, some people disagree with the fact that her poems and books are published. Many of her writings deal with the role of African Culture in American life. (Biography.com) Many racists believe that she shouldn't be allowed to publish this stuff because they feel it is not important.
             Maya's first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, "opens with a primal childhood scene that brings into focus the nature of the imprisoning environment from which the self will seek escape.


Essays Related to Maya