Question

Read the passage from “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

I have tried often to search behind the sophistication of years for the enchantment I so easily found in those gifts. The essence escapes but its aura remains. To be allowed, no, invited, into the private lives of strangers, and to share their joys and fears, was a chance to exchange the Southern bitter wormwood for a cup of mead with Beowulf or a hot cup of tea and milk with Oliver Twist. When I said aloud, "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done . . .” tears of love filled my eyes at my selflessness.

What is the most likely reason author Maya Angelou included this passage?

Answer 1

The reason why I believe that the author Maya Angelou included this passage is because she wanted to explain to us her emotions about the connection she had.

Answer 2

She most likely included this passage to explain her viewpoint on the wonders and the joys of reading.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage from "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou is from the scene where Marguerite Johnson had been invited over by Mrs. Flowers at her home. There, Mrs. Flowers had taught and even made her read, while having cookies. She also read "A Tale of Two Cities" which the narrator finds enchanting, for she states that

"She was nearly singing. I wanted to look at the pages. Were they the same that I had read? Or were there notes, music, lined on the pages, as in a hymn book? Her sounds began cascading gently"

This passage was likely included for the author has just learned and experienced the joys of reading. And she wanted her readers to also have the same experience, or rather she wanted to explain to the readers about her viewpoint on the wonders of reading.