I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Focus Questions

Prologue
How does Marguerite feel about herself? Why?
Chapter 1
Why are Marguerite and Bailey living with Momma (Annie Henderson)?
What does the Store reveal about Momma?
What does the contrast between the morning and late afternoon cotton pickers reveal about Black Southern life?
Chapter 2
Why is Uncle Willies disability so challenging for him?
Why does the scene with the strangers give Marguerite the deepest understanding and intimacy she has ever had with Uncle
Willie?
Why does Marguerite love Shakespeare? Why is this a problem?
Chapter 3
How does Marguerite feel about the Store? Why?
What does Marguerite think of Mr. Steward and his act of kindness?
Chapter 4
What is unique about Mr. McElroy?
Describe the relationship between Bailey and Marguerite.
Describe the segregation in Stamps and how it influences Marguerite.
Chapter 5
Compare and contrast the customary laws that Marguerite and her peers follow vs. those of the powhitetrash children.
What is the contest between Momma and the girls, and how does Momma win?
Chapter 6
How do Marguerite and Bailey feel about Reverend Howard Thomas? Why?
What does Momma expect of Bailey and Marguerite in church? What happens during the Sister Monroe incident?
Chapter 7
What are the main characteristics of Annie Henderson?
What is the significance of the legend that involves Mrs. Henderson?
Chapter 8
Compare/contrast the conditions in the white and black communities.
Explain why the Christmas presents have such an impact on Bailey and Marguerite.
Chapter 9
Describe Bailey and Marguerites father and mother.
Compare and contrast the reactions of Bailey and Marguerite to their parents.
Chapter 10
Describe Grandmother Baxter and her family.
Compare and contrast the educational experiences in St. Louis vs. Stamps for Bailey and Marguerite.
Chapter 11
Describe Mr. Freeman.
What conflicting emotions does Marguerite experience with Mr. Freeman? Why is she so confused about what happened?
Chapter 12
What fears torment Marguerite after the rape?
Chapter 13
Why does Marguerite feel she has to lie in court?
What happens to Mr. Freeman? What is implied by His lawyer (or someone) got him released?
What impact does Mr. Freemans death have on Marguerite?
What happens to Marguerite and Bailey because of Marguerites decision to stop talking?
Chapter 14
How do Bailey and Marguerite respond to being back in Stamps?
Chapter 15
Describe Mrs. Bertha Flowers. How does she provide Marguerite her first life line?
Why does Momma get so upset with Marguerites use of by the way?

Chapter 16
What makes Marguerite so angry with Mrs. Cullinan? How does she protest?
Chapter 17
Why is Momma so concerned when Bailey returns home late?
What has shaken Bailey into silence? What does this reveal about his relationship with his mother?
Chapter 18
What do the revival meetings reveal about the importance of Christianity in the African-American community?
Chapter 19
Why is the Joe Louis victory so important to the community?
Chapter 20
Why is the Louise Kendricks so important to Marguerite?
Why does Marguerite have such a difficult time with Tommy Valdons attentions?
Chapter 21
What is Joyces impact on Bailey?
Chapter 22
How does Mrs. Taylors death impact Marguerite?
What is the significance of Mr. Taylors vision? How does his story impact Marguerite?
Chapter 23
How does Mr. Donleavy nearly destroy Marguerites much anticipated graduation? What inequities does he reveal?
How does Henry Reed change the tone of the graduation?
Chapter 24
What connection does Momma have to Dentist Lincoln? How does he treat her and her request?
What is the significance of Marguerites version of Mommas confrontation with Dentist Lincoln?
Chapter 25
What distresses Bailey so much? What does this lead Momma to do?
Chapter 26
What characteristics of Vivian Baxter stand out the most to Marguerite?
Chapter 27
Why does San Francisco appeal to Marguerite?
What are her main observations about race relations in the city?
Chapter 28
What does Marguerite learn from her different educational experiences?
Chapter 29
What does Marguerite think of Daddy Clidell and his friends? What does she learn from them?
Chapter 31-32
Describe the escalating conflict between Dolores Strickland and Marguerite.
Describe the relationship between Marguerite and her father. How does Marguerite feel about their experiences in Mexico?
Why does Marguerite decide to leave her father and not return to her mother?
Chapter 32
How does Marguerite develop during her time in the junkyard?
Chapter 33
How does Marguerite react to the conflict between her mother and brother?
Chapter 34
What does Marguerite realize as she pursues her goal of becoming a streetcar conductorette?
Chapter 35
What are Marguerites concerns about her own sexuality, and what does she do to address her concerns?
Chapter 36
How does Marguerite handle her pregnancy? How do Vivian and Daddy Clidell respond when they hear the news?
What does Marguerite fear after she has her baby? What does she learn?