RR#1

8/16/10
pages 1-34

Angelou begins her novel by explaining how she arrived in the little town of Stamps. I was not surprised at how her mother sent her and her brother alone on a train, that was common during the time she was a child. Instead like Maya, I was curious to the reason why they were sent away. Judging by the time period I decided it was probably because their parents didn't have the right funds to raise them. I love the way Angelou describes her Grandmother. It makes it very easy to understand how close the family is when she explained the way they called her Momma instead. One of my favorite parts out of this chunk of reading was when the powhitetrash girls come to the store. I do not like this scene because of the rudeness or the way Maya is just forced to sit and watch it happen. I like this scene because of the way Momma handles the situation. Instead of yelling or plainly excepting their rudeness, she simply sings. At first I did not realize the purpose of her actions. However, after the children leave it soon becomes clear. After singing and humming a few church song and not once breaking the melody, the children eventually leave her with a goodbye. I believe she did this to show Maya that violence is not the answer and being the bigger person always helps you to win the fight. I believe Momma was satisfied because that is the way she thinks of slavery. Although the white folks may have a higher authority now, if you present yourself with patience and strength you will overcome.