Table of Contents
- 1 What does she mean when she says be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy?
- 2 What exactly does Mrs. Flowers tell Maya about words Why is this meaningful to the author?
- 3 What is Maya Angelou’s purpose for writing I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?
- 4 Why is Marguerite sometimes ashamed of her grandmother?
What does she mean when she says be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy?
Mrs. Flower explains that you should be understanding of some people who are unable to receive an education, but do not tolerate those who are ignorant. It reflects racist attitudes because Maya believes white people look down on the blacks for being illiterate.
What is the most significant lesson Mrs. Flowers teach Marguerite?
Expert Answers Mrs. Flowers is an important part of young Marguerite’s life. This is in large part because she teaches Marguerite firstly to love and respect books and secondly to understand the significance of well-chosen and well-spoken words.
Mrs. Flowers told Maya that “words mean more than what is set down on paper” By this she meant that a person needs to interact with the words in a book to make those words part of her life. The author describes it as “her voice slid in and curved down through and over the words,” meaning that it sounded like music.
What are two important lessons Marguerite learned from Mrs. Flowers?
Mrs. Flowers’ “lessons on living” did not stop at the study of literature. Marguerite learned that one’s education comes in different forms: educated in school and educated by life. Book learning is important but there are people who have never gone to school and are just as intelligent as college professors.
What is Maya Angelou’s purpose for writing I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?
The purpose of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is to make sense of what has happened to her and to provide hope for other survivors. The tone of this book is conversational, down to earth, and easy to read.
Why does Mrs. Flowers have a lasting impression on Marguerite What did she learn from her?
As Mrs. Flowers began to read aloud, Marguerite finally understood how the spoken word has beauty and power. Marguerite realizes that it takes more than just reading words to infuse meaning; it takes the human voice.
Why is Marguerite sometimes ashamed of her grandmother?
Marguerite is often embarrassed because her Momma does not speak properly around Mrs. Flowers. Marguerite feels that her Momma does not give Mrs. Flowers the respect she deserves.