42 pages • 1 hour read
Maya AngelouLetter to My Daughter
Nonfiction | Essay Collection | Adult | Published in 1987A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Index of Terms
Mother
In common usage, a mother is the biological female parent of an offspring. Angelou develops this conception of what a mother is by removing the limiting biological aspect and replacing it with a more inclusive definition. She describes a mother as anyone who intimately shares their life lessons with another.
Faith
Faith, or the belief in what cannot be seen, is an ongoing struggle for Angelou. Usually said in reference to religion, faith for Angelou is an ongoing journey in which one finds joy. It is ever-evolving and always subject to change or correction.
Nation
A nation is a community of people who adhere to a common set of rules and regulations. Angelou believes that citizens need to stand up against all injustices committed by their nation.
Poetry
Poetry, or a type of literary work that uses aesthetic devices like rhyming and rhythm, is one mode through which Angelou expresses herself in Letter. It adds to the eclectic nature of the work and allows her to unravel complex and abstract emotions.
History
Letter is a documentation of Angelou’s past experiences and memories—her history. While not strictly conforming to an autobiographical style, Angelou nonetheless vulnerably shares her life lessons for all to read. Angelou also blends personal and collective history, recalling slavery and the Harlem Renaissance and portraying these as integral parts of her own identity.
Related Titles
By Maya Angelou
