... Woman". As we go through life, we have many experiences such as reading poetry. It may not be fun all the time, but it is one of those things that, whether we can admit it or not, is a good experience for all of us. To write good poetry authors try to write what they know. Some write about experiences they have had ... were brought up, and some write about what they like or dislike. Maya Angelou uses these things in "Phenomenal Woman". The poem not only shows her upbringing but also comes from life experiences and her own likes and dislikes. Maya Angelou, born April 4, 1928 as Marguerit...

• Word Count: 1242
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... Angelou was born under the name Marguerita Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928. She was raised mostly by her grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. Her childhood experiences, which included rape at eight years old and a period of muteness, inspired her famous work, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", which was written in 1970. She is best known for her autobiographical books: ... Christmas (1976), Gather Together in My Name (1974), and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), which was nominated for the National Book Award. In her massive volumes of poetry are A Brave and Startling T...

• Word Count: 548
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate