Themes: The Value of Reading
Marguerite is frequently baffled by the adults around her and particularly by the inexplicable conduct of white people, who seem like an alien race. As early as chapter 2, however, she reveals that there is one white man whose thoughts are perfectly intelligible to her and who seems to understand how she feels, despite having died more than three centuries before she was born. William Shakespeare, the author says, was her “first white love,” the only author who fully transcended the boundaries of race in his universal humanity, describing her own feelings perfectly in the sonnet “When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes.”
Reading provides solace and inspiration for Marguerite at many other points in the narrative. When she is morose and silent after being raped by Mr. Freeman, Mrs. Bertha Flowers befriends her, lends her books of poetry, and teaches her the importance of reading out loud and the beauty of the human voice. Later, when she is separated from Mrs. Flowers, Marguerite does not miss her, because “she had given me her secret word which called forth a djinn who was to serve me all my life: books.”
Expert Q&A
How does Mrs. Flowers's lesson change Marguerite's perception of books and words in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?
Mrs. Flowers profoundly impacts Marguerite by teaching her to love and respect books and understand the depth of spoken words. She instills in Marguerite the idea that books are precious and words gain deeper meaning when spoken. This lesson transforms Marguerite into a sensitive and imaginative reader, viewing books as magical and dependable friends. Mrs. Flowers's teachings help Marguerite perceive books as a lifelong source of comfort and inspiration.
Why is language important to Mrs. Flowers in the "Mrs. Flowers" excerpt from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou?
Language is important to Mrs. Flowers because she believes in the transformative power of the spoken word to convey deeper meanings and emotions. By sharing this with Marguerite, Mrs. Flowers aims to awaken her appreciation for language's beauty, emphasizing that words can resonate like music. This experience helps Marguerite, a shy girl, to perceive language as a form of art that touches the soul, beyond just the written text.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.