How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I have tried often to search behind the sophistication of years for the enchantment I so easily found in those gifts. The essence escapes but its aura remains. To be allowed, no, invited, into the private lives of strangers, and to share their joys and fears, was a chance to exchange the Southern bitter wormwood for a cup of mead with Beowulf or a hot cup of tea and milk with Oliver Twist. (15.54)
Beowulf, Oliver Twist, and of course Shakespeare all invite Maya to hang with them. And guess what—we've got an open invitation, too. And if that weren't enough, how about an invitation to chat with Maya? I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings sure gives us that.
Quote #5
Oh, Black known and unknown poets, how often have your auctioned pains sustained us? Who will compute the lonely nights made less lonely by your songs, or the empty pots made less tragic by your tales? (23.66)
Whenever we're down in the dumps, we put Adele on loop and mope right along with her. And at Maya's eighth grade graduation, the same thing happens—minus Adele, plus black poets. As a poet, has Angelou become one of the heroes who "sustain[s]" the rest of us?
Quote #6
I wouldn't miss Mrs. Flowers, for she had given me her secret word which called forth a djinn who was to serve me all my life: books. (25.23)
Even when your teachers are long gone, the meaning they helped you uncover in literature will always be there. That's why we're not worried you'll forget about Shmoop any time soon.