I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: Mother Dear

By nunezni

  • “One Christmas we received gifts from our mother and father, who lived separately in a heaven called California.” (Angelou 52)

    This shows how although the mother and father cannot be with their kids it is time for a change and Vivian decides to start thinking about her kids and make up for lost time which she will furtherly improve in chapter 10.

  • “When Mother came in she said, ‘Well, young lady, I believe this is the first time I’ve seen you go to bed without being told. You must be sick’”(Angelou 79).

    After the rape, Maya is traumatized and needs help and proper care. Here, when Mother Dear comes into Maya’s room, she doesn’t realize that Maya is hurt. She does not know her well enough to read her facial expressions and analyze unusual actions.

  • “We were on the train going back to Stamps, and this time it was I who had to console Bailey. He cried his heart...and pressed his little-boy body against the window pane looking for a last glimpse of his Mother Dear.” (Angelou 88)

    Maya and Bailey love and care about Mother Dear and they don’t want to leave her

  • “Mother had prepared a place for us, and we went to it gratefully. We each had a room with a two sheeted bed, plenty to eat, and store bought clothes to wear. And after all, she didn't have to do it. (Angelou 68)

    This quote shows how Mother Dear, a name given to her by Bailey, is selfless and wants to make up for the time she lost with her children.

  • “‘I’m going to be one bitch, and i’ve already been that one.’ In a foolhardy gesture the man relieved himself of still another ‘bitch’-- and Mother shot him. She had anticipated some trouble when she determined to speak to him” (Angelou 207).

    World War 2 begins. During this time of panic, the real Mother Dear unravels and the kids are able to see who she truly is. She was not just a beautiful woman, she was a real person with fears and insecurities. Maya notes that even though Mother has melodramatic outbursts, she never compromises fairness. Maya discusses her power and honesty.

  • “Mother was competent in providing for us... Although she was a nurse, she never worked at her profession while we were with her... she earned extra money cutting poker games in the gambling parlors.” (Angelou 70)

    This shows us Mother Dear was willing to do a lot to provide for the family but she wasn’t doing it by working. She gambles to make a living and provide for Maya and Bailey.