Abstract: This research paper attempts to study the poetry of Maya Angelou and analyzes how the poet voiced the horrors of racial oppression faced by thousands of African Americans. This paper also mirrors the barbaric face of the society which discriminates amongst people on the basis of their skin color and snatches away their basic right to live as well as express their ideas and opinions in general. Early in her life Angelou realized the true power of words and decided to make poetry as her most efficient weapon against racial discrimination witnessed by her. With an attitude to rebel against the cruel discrimination of color, she woke up to a morning which gave back her lost identity and voice. This led to the publication of the autobiography titled ‘I know why the caged bird sings’ which got much deserved critical acclaim. She became the first African American woman to confidently voice about her personal life in public.
Keywords: African American, Racism, Oppression, Liberty, Individuality, Protest, Poetry as Weapon, Soul.
Title: Maya Angelou: A Soul Drenched in Protest
Author: PRANJALI NAGPAL
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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