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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Short writing assignment options. Overview. Mr. Freeman’s trial and mysterious death draw a morbid fascination to the trial from the people of St. Louis. It was an event that would have drawn headlines from the local newspapers.

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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  1. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Short writing assignment options

  2. Overview Mr. Freeman’s trial and mysterious death draw a morbid fascination to the trial from the people of St. Louis. It was an event that would have drawn headlines from the local newspapers. Write a front page newspaper article on the events of the trial and Mr. Freeman’s death.

  3. Assignment • Write the story in the factual, detached, unbiased style commonly used by newspaper reporters. The article must contain the following elements: • A bold headline that sums up the content of the article. • The first paragraph should contain the basic facts: who, what, where, why, when, and how. • The subsequent paragraphs should logically and honestly add detail and substance to the story for readers who want more information. • The last paragraph should indicate how this event was resolved. • Include at least one quote from a character in the novel.

  4. Overview Graduation is the most exciting, proud, and important accomplishment in the author’s life. There are many traditions and preparations that she and her graduating class are engrossed in leading up to the symbolic day. It will be a day of liberation and hope. The graduating class gets a slap in the face by a speech by a white politician. With his words, he dashes their hopes and dreams by implying that all they can aspire to and be proud of is greatness in athletics. He reinforces the idea that no matter how hard they try, they will never amount to anything, and they should be grateful for what they have. To add insult to injury, he leaves immediately, as if they were not worthy of his time. The class valedictorian lifts their spirits by singing the Black National Anthem, reminding them of who they are, and what they can achieve.

  5. Assignment • Write a speech for the 1940 graduating class of Lafayette County Training School from that perspective. • How would graduation have been different if the speaker had been black? • What would you say to the hopeful young people looking to you for inspiration? • What can you say to negate the stereotypes inferred in the white man’s speech? • Include in your speech examples of successful blacks up to that time period in fields other than athletics.

  6. Assignment • Your speech should be no shorter than four paragraphs long. • You may improvise on non-factual information (such as improvements to the school, gifts to the community, etc…), but use individuals from history when referring to people.

  7. Requirements • 50 points • 1-2 pages typed, MLA format • Due: Wednesday, March 14th

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