Problem
After you have read I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings you will write a critical analysis of the book. This is a lengthy assignment so please use your time wisely.
1) What is the thesis-or main argument-of the book? If the author wanted you to get one idea from the book,
2) What would it be? How does it compare or contrast to the world you know? What has the book accomplished? What is the context of the book? What exactly is the subject or topic of the book? Does the author cover the subject adequately? Does any of the author's information (or conclusions) conflict with other ideas about the context of the book you may have learned in class, in other readings or discussions, or just previous assumptions you had of the subject?
3) How has this book helped you understand the subject? Would you recommend the book to your reader? Why or why not?
4) In your opinion, what is the purpose of this book?
5) How well does the author achieve this purpose?
6) How does one tell a "true" story, according to the author? Do you think the stories told in this book are true? Do you think it changes the value of the book if the stories are a work of fiction? Why or why not?
7) Would you recommend this book to someone who wanted to know more about the experience of the life in the 1940's or life for Black women? Why or why not?