Product Description
The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.

Piqued by a dare, Angelou wrote this first book as an exercise in autobiography as art — and succeeded. Her novel is a story of the difficulties of black women and the eventual victory of spirit that comes from being a soulful fighter.

CliffsNotes on I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings helps you explore this tale of rebirth, self-worth, and dignity. This concise supplement helps you understand the overall structure of the novel, actions and motivations of the characters, and the social and cultural perspectives of the author. Features that help you study include

A close look at the author's life which offers insight into her writing
A list of characters and their descriptions
Summaries and commentaries, chapter by chapter
Critical assessments of the novel and the television movie adaptation
Glossaries to help you fully understand the novel
Critical essays on women in the novel and Southern Fundamentalism
A review section that tests your knowledge, and suggested essay topics

Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 8 reviews)

Excellent book!

I read this book for my English project and it was very good! Very moving and it helped me understand the Great Depression and all the racism that black people had to go through....
Maya Angelou is a great writer, and this book was excellent!

Very interesting, I RECOMMEND IT!
April 28, 2004

__ I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings_____

We had to read this novel by Maya Angelou and I thought it was a very good example of the way you should write. She used imagery and descriptives to show you,the reader, how it really was in her life. I LOVED IT !!!
May 18, 2002

What an insight!

Maya Angelou's written language is alive, and that's refreshing. There is a specific life-view from the standpoint of a black girl growing up, and it is uplifting how she meets her difficulties with confidence. Her humor in many situations made me laugh out loud. Yes, she is a gripping author, and the tidbits of wisdom shine through like rays of sunlight...
April 17, 2002

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I thought that this was a great book! Maya had a very difficult life growing up. I just could not figure out what she really wanted with her life.
April 08, 2002

Full Length of Love

Read the complete novel. The Cliff notes only offers a small portion of the love and enjoyment you will feel from this author's words.
April 07, 2002

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