Perspectives of Social Alienation and the Impact of Identity Formation in Marginalized Childhoods in Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: An Analysis
Author : Dr. A Vanitha Jaya Rani
Abstract :
The focus of this research paper is on African-American literature, highlighting its significance in grasping the complexities of race in America. It highlights the efforts of African-American female writers in their battle against the injustices perpetuated by the white community, especially in the Southern states. The Harlem Renaissance offered Black intellectuals a platform to communicate their perspectives and challenge social inequalities. In India and the West Indies, social class plays a significant role, whereas in America, the primary divisions are determined by skin color. Providing education to children is the most effective means of achieving societal progress. It highlights the difficult experiences of children who frequently face neglect or abuse. They encounter challenges such as struggling to survive, experiencing insecurity, suffering from harm, lacking educational opportunities, and receiving inadequate support from their parents. These problems are related to the broader context of racial segregation and inequitable treatment. The research highlights Maya Angelou alongside Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Zora Neale Hurston in their portrayal of Black experiences. She conveys the different sensations of being an outsider, reflecting on her experiences from childhood to her early adult years. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” narrates a heartfelt yet truthful account of the experiences of a black individual in America facing frequent injustice while growing up.
Keywords :
Marginalization, social exclusion, racial segregation, discrimination, black women writers, Harlem renaissance, childhood inequality, racial prejudice, social injustice.
