Maya Angelou was one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century, penning dozens of books, poems and plays throughout her lifetime. For many, the prospect of choosing which of her works to read first can be a daunting one. With such an array of titles to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which book of hers would be the best starting point. Here we examine five of her works and why they are perfect to delve into first.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
This autobiographical work is widely renowned as Maya Angelou’s most famous piece and is often praised as a modern classic. It deals with many of the themes surrounding discrimination, racism and identity. Despite the seriousness of some of the passages, this book underlines a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. As a piece of work from one of the greatest literary minds of our time, it stands as a cornerstone of modern day literature.
Gather Together in My Name
This book, Angelou’s second autobiography, has been thought of as a natural next step after ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’. It is a captivating continuation of the narrative which began in Angelou’s first book, exploring her life between the ages of 17 and 19 when she is struggling to make ends meet and care for her newborn son. Readers are encouraged to to understand the importance of self-love and acceptance, while appreciating her poetic mastery of the written form.
The Heart of a Woman
In this collection, Angelou focuses on her experiences during the tumultuous mid-1960s and her blossoming career as a writer. It encompasses many of the vital episodes of her personal and professional life, such as her engagement to Armed Forces accountant Paul du Feu. Moreover, it has been thought of as a way to appreciate the determination and courage of a woman who was constantly met with setback and criticism throughout her life.
Letter to My Daughter
In a departure from her autobiographical writing, ‘Letter to My Daughter’ is a collection of 28 short essays in which Angelou shares her wisdom, advice and lessons which she gleaned throughout her life. This is a perfect way to understand the importance of life’s experiences and how much can be learned when we take the time to pause and reflect. The book stands as a tribute to her family, along with being an uplifting and humorous exploration of how to lead a better life.
Mom & Me & Mom
Angelou’s seventh and final autobiographical work is an account of her strained relationship with her mother. It is a deeply moving and compassionate story of reconciliation, a pursuit of mutual understanding, and trying to accept your parent’s shortcomings and flaws. As a work of introspection, it encourages us to understand the importance of self-forgiveness, ultimately inspiring us to reach beyond our own pain.
And Still I Rise
This slim yet powerful poetry collection serves as a reminder that it is never too late for a second chance. It has been viewed as a powerful and deeply feminist work, perfectly encapsulating the message that a woman should never fear to challenge the status quo. Despite covering serious themes, such as poverty and racism, l readers can find comfort and solace in Angelou’s poetic grace and willingness to tackle the hard questions.
Why Angelou’s Works are you Best Starting Point
Maya Angelou’s works are a great starting point for anyone looking to dive into her mind and appreciate the power of her written words. Whether it’s to gain new perspective on modern day life, to gain insight and understanding into social issues of the past, or to just sit back and enjoy her poetic writing style, Angelou’s works have something to offer everyone. They are the perfect starting point for any armchair reader, production enjoy paging through some of the greatest works of the modern day.
Understanding the Power of Maya Angelou’s Writing
One of the most remarkable features of Maya Angelou’s writing is the unique ability to convey complex emotions and stories in simple and relatable language. Despite difficult and sometimes simultaneously joyous themes, such as racism, poverty and self-conquest, she has an extensive mastery of the English language which is completely captivating and immediately enthralling. This can be seen throughout her body of work, with her words painting the most vivid of pictures. The sheer honesty and realism of her works captures the attention of even the most casual reader.
The Importance of Life Experiences in Angelou’s Writing
Throughout Maya Angelou’s writing, life experiences are celebrated and explored, with her works rarely shying away from her own hardships. The resilience of her words continues to rekindle the importance of bravery and courage in the face of adversity, no matter how dark or insurmountable the situation might appear. By recognising the importance of our own experiences, she encourages us to draw strength and positivity in the face of negativity.
Appreciating Angelou’s Strength and Confidence
Maya Angelou has been widely praised for her ability to chronicle her own story with such strength and confidence. Much of her work offers messages of hope and reassurance, with some of the most impactful passages being those of self-forgiveness and understanding. Throughout her life, Angelou shed light on many of the issues that were afflicting communities across the world, often leading by example. By positioning herself in this manner, she set a supreme example of compassion and empathy for millions of people across the globe.
Exploring the Themes of Inequality and Perseverance in Angelou’s Works
Many of Maya Angelou’s most famous works explore themes of inequality, prejudice and perseverance. She used her writing as a powerful instrument to criticise and confront a world which was constantly battling the issues of racism and bigotry. Despite any overwhelming spirit of pessimism or doubt, her work ultimately carries an uplifting message via its protagonist. This message is a reminder of our mortality, but also of the importance of refusing to give up – no matter how hard life throws us a curveball.
The Role of Spirituality in Angelou’s Writing
Perhaps one of the most consistent themes throughout Maya Angelou’s works is spirituality and her own exploration of faith. For her, faith played a vital role in her own personal independence and growth, which in turn transcended outwards to those she surrounded herself with. Many critics have remarked that the topic of religion is a prominent focus point in her autobiographies, underlining its importance throughout her life. To truly appreciate the spirit of her work, it is vital to recognise the importance of her spiritual quest.
The Role of Humour in Maya Angelou’s Works
One of the most heartening features of Maya Angelou’s works is the presence of humour, allowing the reader to connect to the delicate and often difficult topics discussed within the text. Relatable tales of joy and personal triumph, along with thoughtful musings about her closest family and friends, act as a great way of exploring the importance relationships, in addition to our own ideas of how we can better understand the world. By including humour, Angelou leaves the reader feeling inspired and motivated.
