Cultural Identity Construction Of Marguerite In I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings From The Perspective Of "Double Consciousness"

Maya Angelou(1928-2014)is a worldwide known African-American writer.She creates an unparalleled writing style of autobiography.Her seven autobiographies establish her a high place in the history of African American literature.And the most notable one is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings(as Caged Bird in the following parts).The novel causes a sensation throughout the United States soon after its publication,winning the National Book Award in 1970.On account of its significance and value,foreign and domestic scholars have interpreted Caged Bird from diverse perspectives.Despite the identity issues that have been covered in the early research,there remains space for the heroine’s cultural identity construction in terms of its manifestation,reasons and outlets.Therefore,based on Du Bois’ s “Double Consciousness”,the thesis proposes to analyze the reasons for Marguerite’s lack of cultural identity,the reconstruction of cultural identity and the practices after establishing cultural identity.This thesis is divided into six parts.The introductory part firstly introduces Maya Angelou and Caged Bird,then reviews the current situation and prospects for research on Caged Bird at home and abroad.After that the theoretical framework of Du Bois’ s“Double Consciousness” and the concept of cultural identity of Stuart Hall are illustrated.Finally the research value and originality of the thesis are clarified.Chapter One discusses Marguerite’s cultural dilemma from the “twoness” of African American.Racism from the mainstream society and sexism within the black community constitute the obstacles to the construction of Marguerite’s cultural identity.Chapter Two makes explorations of construction of Marguerite’s cultural identity in the context of nationalist thought of “Double Consciousness”.Mrs.Henderson sets an example of economic independence for Marguerite and becomes a faithful defender of black dignity.And under the influences of black culture in terms of religion,sisterhood and collective cohesion,Marguerite draws strength and constructs her cultural identity as a black.Chapter Three focuses on the construction of Marguerite’s cultural identity from integrationist thought.Marguerite’s mother and stepfather’s successful models of integrating into American society provide valuable strategies for her.More importantly,the multiracial environment of San Francisco and the trip to southern California instill in Marguerite’s sense of racial equality and universality.At this stage,Marguerite actualizes her cultural identity construction as an African American.Chapter Four is a series of meaningful practices that Marguerite undertakes after integrating her American identity with black soul.Through the pursuit of discourse power,Marguerite takes the first step in the struggle.Subsequently,the practice for racial equality and the search for gender autonomy give impetus to the integration of Marguerite’s black female identity and cultural identity.The last part is the conclusion of the thesis.Under the long-term interaction of black and white consciousness,blacks are in a state of psychological separation,trapped in the dilemma of being black or white and unable to construct their cultural identity.Marguerite’s success in constructing her cultural identity points out a new way for African Americans who suffer from multiple oppression in the modern era.Only by identifying with their own history and culture,and effectively integrating their double consciousness,can African Americans truly obtain their places in the mainstream society of the United States.