This engaging summary presents an analysis of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, the first part of the author's seven-volume autobiography, which recounts her life up to the age of 17, shortly after the birth of her son. Her early life was marked by adversity: her parents were largely absent, racism and discrimination were rife across America, and she endured a traumatic sexual assault at the hands of her mother's boyfriend. However, in spite of these hardships, Angelou found joy in literature and in her relationship with her beloved brother Bailey, resulting in an undercurrent of optimism throughout her memoir. Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, actress, singer and activist. She is remembered in particular for her autobiographical writings and her poems, including "Still I Rise" and "On the Pulse of Morning", which she recited at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993. Find out everything you need to know about I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in a fraction of the time! This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you: - A complete plot summary - Character studies - Key themes and symbols - Questions for further reflection