I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Appearance Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

They were more alike than she and I, or even he and I. They both had physical beauty and personality, so I figured it figured. (9.15)

Maya feels excluded from family bonding (and arguing) because of her looks. Is this in her head, or is her family contributing to these ideas?

Quote #5

[Uncle Tommy] told me often, "Ritie, don't worry 'cause you ain't pretty. Plenty pretty women I seen digging ditches or worse. You smart. I swear to God, I rather you have a good mind than a cute behind." (10.28)

Uncle Tommy invokes the old it's-what's-on-the-inside-that-counts clause. But, yeah… maybe there would have been a better way to go about it?

Quote #6

Unexpectedly, I resembled him, and when he, Mother and I walked down the street his friends often said, "Clidell, that's sure your daughter. Ain't no way you can deny her." (20.4)

Hmmm… the one person who looks like Maya isn't even related by blood. What do you think: do they really look alike, or is it just the way they interact that makes people see the resemblance? It's like when people ask best friends—or S.O.s…awkward—if they're siblings.