In I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the speaker states she felt like crying when she heard the lines “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” What did she feel was keeping her from being the master of her fate?
(1 point)
Responses
growing up in the South
growing up in the South
the prejudice against her race
the prejudice against her race
being outperformed by Henry Reed
being outperformed by Henry Reed
dropping out of school in the eighth grade
dropping out of school in the eighth grade
the prejudice against her race
In I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the speaker felt that the prejudice against her race was keeping her from being the master of her fate.
In the book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," the speaker expresses a feeling of wanting to cry when she hears the lines "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." This indicates that she feels something is preventing her from being the master of her own destiny. To determine what she feels is keeping her from this, we can analyze the given options.
Option 1: Growing up in the South
This option suggests that the speaker's upbringing in the Southern United States could be a factor that hinders her from feeling in control of her own fate. It is important to consider the historical context of racial discrimination and social limitations that were prevalent in the South at that time.
Option 2: The prejudice against her race
This option points to the speaker's understanding that the prejudice and discrimination she faces as a result of her race play a significant role in her inability to be the master of her own fate. Racism and inequality could limit her opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Option 3: Being outperformed by Henry Reed
This option suggests that the speaker's comparison of herself to Henry Reed, someone who outperforms her, contributes to her feelings of not being in control of her destiny. It may imply a sense of inferiority or a lack of self-confidence.
Option 4: Dropping out of school in the eighth grade
This option highlights the decision the speaker made to drop out of school in the eighth grade. This choice might have limited her educational opportunities and impacted her belief in being in control of her own fate.
Considering the options, it is most likely that the speaker feels that the prejudice against her race is what is keeping her from being the master of her fate. This aligns with the overall themes of racial inequality and discrimination that are central to the memoir.