The Caged Bird’s Free Flight: Analyzing Intersectionality in Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings with the Aim of Empowering Pupils in the EFL Classroom to Speak Out Against Inequality and Prejudice
2020 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
The aim of this master’s thesis was to study the portrayal of discrimination that occurs because of multiple factors in Maya Angelou’s book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The analysis has been conducted through the lens of Critical Race theory as the theory draws on the affiliation between race, racism and power. The main focal point of this essay was the intersectionality of race, gender and social class. The results of this study showed recurring events in which the characters in the book are marginalized. However, the study also showed the resilience and resistance the characters manifests in their exertion for an equal society. Additionally, this Master’s thesis addressed how the English as a Foreign Language classroom with the inclusion of Caged Bird and the usage of Critical Race pedagogy can start a development of fundamental values such as equality and gender roles whilst diminishing prejudice.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2020. , p. 49
Keywords [en]
Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, upper secondary school, EFL classroom, critical race theory/pedagogy, intersectionality, racism, gender, class, autobiography
National Category
Languages and Literature
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-96422OAI: oai:DiVA.org:lnu-96422DiVA, id: diva2:1442981
Subject / course
English
Educational program
Teacher Education Programme for Upper Secondary School, 300/330 credits
Supervisors
Examiners
2020-08-102020-06-172020-08-10Bibliographically approved