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HOW HAS RACE IMPACTED THE IDENTITY OF PROTAGONISTS MAYA

ANGELOU AND STARR?

Abstract

This essay investigates how Maya Angelou and Angie Thomson use their

characters in their novels. I know why the caged bird sings. The hate you give

illustrates race, which impacts African Americans’ identity, and explains the

struggles of living in a community where they are no longer accepted because of

their race. A contrast between the I know why the caged bird sings, by Maya

Angelou and The hate you give by Angie Thomson reveals through the novel’s

protagonist the struggles of being a different race and living in a society that

does not accept your race.

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Table of contents
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Preface

I know why the caged bird sings is an autobiography written in literature form

by Maya Angelou. I know why the caged bird sings illustrates the transition of

Maya Angelou’s Childhood to Adulthood. Through her eyes, we see the

difficulties that the black community go through during the time of segregation.

Not only that, but also we see a child’s struggles growing up without their

parent’s influence and having separated parents and how that affects them

emotionally and mentally. Moreover, we know what it is like to live in a world

where her race is mistreated, despised, and undervalued because they are

different.