Chapter 2: Uncle Willie - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

TLDRMaya observes Uncle Willie, who is disabled, living in the general store with Mama. Despite his difficulties, Uncle Willie hides his disability from people, creating a different persona for himself. Maya realizes he would have been a better father figure to her. Maya also shares her love for William Shakespeare, which she concealed due to his whiteness, and her passion for African-American writers. She and Bailey decide to memorize a passage by James Weldon Johnson instead of Shakespeare. Maya sympathizes with Uncle Willie's desire to be seen for who he is and not his disability.

Key insights

🧑‍🦽Uncle Willie, who is disabled, lives in the general store with Mama and faces challenges with walking, speaking, and using his left hand.

🔍Children are often repelled by disability because they are aware of the randomness of luck that spared them from a similar fate.

📚Maya is in love with William Shakespeare and enjoys other white authors, as well as African-American writers.

🎭Maya and Bailey decide to memorize a passage by James Weldon Johnson, demonstrating their preference for African-American literature.

💔Maya observes Uncle Willie's attempt to hide his disability, understanding his longing to be accepted for who he truly is.

Q&A

What challenges does Uncle Willie face?

—Uncle Willie faces challenges with walking, speaking, and using his left hand due to a childhood accident.

Why are children often repelled by disability?

—Children are repelled by disability because it embarrasses them, as they realize they have escaped a similar fate by luck.

Who is Maya in love with?

—Maya is in love with William Shakespeare, although she hides it from her mother due to his whiteness.

What authors does Maya enjoy?

—Maya enjoys other white authors such as Rudyard Kipling, Edgar Allen Poe, and William Thackeray, as well as African-American writers like Paul Laurence Dunbar, Langston Hughes, and James Weldon Johnson.

Why do Maya and Bailey choose to memorize a passage by James Weldon Johnson?

—Maya and Bailey choose to memorize a passage by James Weldon Johnson to show their preference for African-American literature, keeping their mother in mind.

Timestamped Summary

00:09Chapter 2 of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings introduces Uncle Willie, who lives in the general store with Mama.

00:20Uncle Willie's disability affects his walking, speaking, and use of his left hand.

00:43Maya expresses her love for William Shakespeare and other white authors, as well as her passion for African-American writers.

01:00Maya and Bailey choose to memorize a passage by James Weldon Johnson instead of Shakespeare.

01:42Maya observes Uncle Willie's attempt to hide his disability, understanding his longing to be seen for who he truly is.

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