Short Story Maya Angelou

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Short Story Maya Angelou: Exploring the Literary Powerhouse's Narrative Genius



Introduction:

Maya Angelou, a name synonymous with resilience, poetry, and powerful storytelling, captivated audiences worldwide with her evocative prose. While best known for her autobiographies, particularly I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou also penned numerous short stories, often imbued with the same lyrical beauty and unflinching honesty that characterized her larger works. This post delves into the world of Maya Angelou's short stories, exploring their thematic elements, stylistic choices, and lasting impact. We'll examine some of her most notable works, analyze her narrative techniques, and uncover the enduring relevance of her short fiction. Prepare to be transported by the raw emotion and poetic grace that define the unique literary landscape of Maya Angelou's shorter narratives.


H2: Unearthing the Themes in Maya Angelou's Short Stories:

Angelou's short fiction, though often shorter in length than her autobiographical masterpieces, is remarkably rich in thematic depth. Recurring motifs include the struggle for racial equality, the complexities of familial relationships, the enduring power of memory, and the search for self-discovery. Her stories often explore the intersection of these themes, weaving together personal experiences with broader social commentary. The impact of racism, particularly on Black women, is a central concern, explored not through overt anger, but through a nuanced understanding of the subtle and pervasive ways it shapes individuals and communities. The resilience of the human spirit, the ability to find strength in the face of adversity, is another consistently highlighted theme, offering both a message of hope and a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced.

H3: The Power of Memory and Reclaiming the Narrative:

Memory acts as a powerful force in many of Angelou's short stories. She uses it not simply to recount past events, but to actively shape and reshape the narrative. Her characters often grapple with painful memories, revisiting traumatic experiences to confront them, understand them, and ultimately, reclaim their own stories. This process of remembering and reinterpreting the past is crucial to the characters' journeys towards self-acceptance and healing. The act of storytelling itself becomes a form of empowerment, a way to take control of one's narrative and defy the silencing effects of oppression.

H3: Stylistic Choices: Poetic Prose and Lyrical Language:

Angelou's signature lyrical style permeates her short stories, lending them a poetic quality that elevates them beyond simple narrative. She masterfully employs vivid imagery, evocative language, and rhythmic prose to create a deeply immersive reading experience. Her use of metaphor and simile adds layers of meaning, allowing readers to connect with the emotional depth of her characters' experiences on a visceral level. This stylistic approach enhances the emotional impact of her stories, ensuring they resonate long after the final page is turned.

H2: Notable Short Stories by Maya Angelou:

While Angelou's short story collection is less extensive than her other works, several pieces stand out for their compelling narratives and profound thematic resonance. While a comprehensive list is beyond the scope of this article, exploring specific stories within academic papers or literary analysis provides deeper insight into her specific techniques and themes. These explorations often reveal consistent motifs and stylistic elements that highlight the interconnectedness of her short fiction with her larger body of work.


H2: The Enduring Legacy of Maya Angelou's Short Fiction:

Despite not being as widely known as her autobiographies and poems, Maya Angelou's short stories offer a significant contribution to American literature. They provide a valuable perspective on the Black experience, exploring complex themes with both artistry and emotional honesty. Her work continues to inspire and challenge readers, reminding us of the power of storytelling to promote understanding, empathy, and social change. The lyrical beauty and profound emotional depth of her short fiction ensure her lasting legacy extends far beyond the confines of any single genre.


Conclusion:

Maya Angelou's short stories offer a compelling and intimate glimpse into her literary genius. Through her masterful storytelling, evocative language, and profound thematic explorations, she leaves a lasting impression on readers, prompting reflection and inspiring a deeper understanding of the human condition. While often overshadowed by her more celebrated autobiographies and poetry, her short fiction stands as a testament to her unparalleled ability to capture the beauty and complexity of life, leaving a powerful and enduring legacy.


FAQs:

1. Where can I find Maya Angelou's short stories? Many of Angelou's short stories are scattered throughout various anthologies and collections. Some may be accessible online through databases or digital libraries, while others may require seeking out physical copies.

2. Are Maya Angelou's short stories suitable for all ages? While her writing is generally accessible, some stories may contain mature themes that might not be appropriate for younger readers. Parental guidance is advised depending on the chosen story.

3. What is the significance of the title of a specific short story? The significance of individual titles varies greatly depending on the story's theme and narrative. Analyzing the titles in relation to the content often reveals crucial thematic elements and subtle symbolic meanings.

4. How do Maya Angelou's short stories compare to her poems? While both mediums utilize lyrical language and powerful imagery, her short stories offer a more narrative-driven approach, exploring character development and plot progression in a way her poems might not.

5. How has Maya Angelou's short fiction influenced contemporary writers? Her work continues to inspire contemporary writers, particularly those focused on themes of race, identity, and the female experience. Her use of poetic language and emotional depth has significantly shaped the stylistic approach of many contemporary authors.


  short story maya angelou: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou, 2009-04-21 Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash.” At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age—and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned. Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity.”—James Baldwin
  short story maya angelou: Mom and Me and Mom Maya Angelou, 2013-03-26 'In the first decade of the twentieth century, it was not a good time to be born black, or woman, in America.' So begins this stunning portrait of Vivian Baxter Johnson: the first black woman officer in the Merchant Marines, purveyor of a gambling business and rooming house, and mother to Maya Angelou, beloved and bestselling author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS. 'A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' BARACK OBAMA Anyone who's read the classic, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, knows Maya Angelou was raised by her paternal grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. In Mom and Me and Mom, Angelou details what brought her mother to send her away and unearths the well of emotions Angelou experienced long afterward as a result. While Angelou's first six autobiographies reveal about her out in the world, influencing and learning from statesmen and cultural icons, her final autobiography and conclusion to the series, Mom and Me and Mom, shares the intimate, emotional story about her own family. 'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY 'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON
  short story maya angelou: A Song Flung Up to Heaven Maya Angelou, 2010-09-02 A memoir of politics and activism, from the bestselling and beloved author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS 'A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' BARACK OBAMA It is 1964 and Maya Angelou is on her way back home, leaving behind her beloved - and now seriously teenage son Guy, to finish university in Ghana. America is pulsing with the challenge of change, the civil rights movement is in full swing and that's where Maya Angelou wants to be, working alongside her friends Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. In this marvellous account, Maya Angelou provides, with her customary wisdom, compassion and wit, a first-hand record of an extraordinarily exciting and tragic political period. She writes of Jimmy Baldwin, Eldridge Cleaver, and of friends and family, and finishes with the beginnings of her career as one of America's most impressive memoir writers. 'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY 'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON
  short story maya angelou: The Heart Of A Woman Maya Angelou, 2010-09-02 From the beloved and bestselling author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS, this memoir chronicles Maya Angelou's involvement with the civil rights movement. 'A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' BARACK OBAMA Maya Angelou's seven volumes of autobiography are a testament to the talents and resilience of this extraordinary writer. Loving the world, she also knows its cruelty. As a black woman she has known discrimination and extreme poverty, but also hope, joy, achievement and celebration. The fourth volume of her enthralling autobiography finds Maya Angelou immersed in the world of black writers and artists in Harlem, working in the civil rights movement with Martin Luther King Jr. 'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY 'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON
  short story maya angelou: Just Give Me A Cool Drink Of Water 'Fore I Diiie Maya Angelou, 2013-04-04 A marvellous collection of poetry from the beloved and bestselling author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS. 'A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' BARACK OBAMA Poems of love and regret, of racial strife and confrontation, songs of the people and songs of the heart - all are charged with Maya Angelou's zest for life and her rage at injustice. Lyrical, tender poems of longing, wry glances at betrayal and isolation combine with a fierce insight into 'hate and hateful wrath' in an unforgettable picture of the hopes and concerns of one of America's finest writers. 'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY 'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON
  short story maya angelou: And Still I Rise Maya Angelou, 2013-04-04 A beautiful and inspiring collection of poetry by Maya Angelou, author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS and 'a brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' (BARACK OBAMA). 'I write about being a Black American woman, however, I am always talking about what it's like to be a human being. This is how we are, what makes us laugh, and this is how we fall and how we somehow, amazingly, stand up again' Maya Angelou Maya Angelou's poetry - lyrical and dramatic, exuberant and playful - speaks of love, longing, partings; of Saturday night partying, and the smells and sounds of Southern cities; of freedom and shattered dreams. 'Her poetry is just as much a part of her autobiography as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and the volumes that follow.' Kirkus 'It is true poetry she is writing . . . it has an innate purity about it, unquenchable dignity' M. F. K. Fisher
  short story maya angelou: Gather Together In My Name Maya Angelou, 2010-09-02 The sequel to I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS 'A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' Barack Obama Maya Angelou's volumes of autobiography are a testament to the talents and resilience of this extraordinary writer. Loving the world, she also knows its cruelty. As a black woman she has known discrimination and extreme poverty, but also hope, joy, achievement and celebration. In the sequel to her bestselling I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou is a young mother in California, unemployed, embarking on brief affairs and transient jobs in shops and night-clubs, turning to prostitution and the world of narcotics. Maya Angelou powerfully captures the struggles and triumphs of her passionate life with dignity, wisdom, humour and humanity. 'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY 'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON
  short story maya angelou: Letter To My Daughter Maya Angelou, 2010-11-04 A collection of wisdom and life lessons, from the beloved and bestselling author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS 'A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' BARACK OBAMA Dedicated to the daughter she never had but sees all around her, Letter to my Daughter reveals Maya Angelou's path to living well and living a life with meaning. Told in her own inimitable style, this book transcends genres and categories: it's part guidebook, part memoir, part poetry - and pure delight. 'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY 'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON
  short story maya angelou: A Brave and Startling Truth Maya Angelou, 1995 First read by Maya Angelou at the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, this wise and moving poem will inspire readers with its memorable message of hope for humanity.
  short story maya angelou: One Autumn Night Maxim Gorky, 2024-08-30 Discover the evocative and poignant narrative of Maxim Gorky's One Autumn Night. This short story captures the essence of human emotion and social dynamics through a deeply personal and reflective lens. Gorky's narrative delves into themes of love, personal conflict, and the impact of fleeting moments on the lives of its characters. Gorky, renowned for his ability to portray the emotional and social complexities of his characters, presents a story that explores the nuances of human relationships and the significance of individual experiences. The narrative offers a reflective look at the intersections of personal and social issues, highlighting the transient yet profound nature of human connections.One Autumn Night is an engaging read for those interested in Gorky’s exploration of emotional depth and social dynamics. Perfect for readers who appreciate stories that delve into the intricacies of personal relationships and the impact of significant moments on individuals' lives.
  short story maya angelou: Singin' & Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas Maya Angelou, 2010-09-02 A memoir about motherhood and music from the bestselling author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS 'A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' Barack Obama Maya Angelou's seven volumes of autobiography are a testament to the talents and resilience of this extraordinary writer. Loving the world, she also knows its cruelty. As a black woman she has known discrimination and extreme poverty, but also hope, joy, achievement and celebration. In this her third marvellous volume, music and her son are the focus of Maya Angelou's life. She is on the edge of a new world: marriage, show business and a triumphant tour of Porgy and Bess. 'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY 'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON
  short story maya angelou: Amazing Peace Maya Angelou, 2010-11-03 This dazzling Christmas poem by Maya Angelou is powerful and inspiring for people of all faiths. In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world. “Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward,” she writes, “and speak the word aloud. Peace.” Read by the poet at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House on December 1, 2005, Maya Angelou’ s celebration of the “Glad Season” is a radiant affirmation of the goodness of life.
  short story maya angelou: Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now Maya Angelou, 2011-11-23 Maya Angelou, one of the best-loved authors of our time shares the wisdom of a remarkable life in this bestselling spiritual classic. This is Maya Angelou talking from the heart, down to earth and real, but also inspiring. This is a book to be treasured, a book about being in all ways a woman, about living well, about the power of the word, and about the power of spirituality to move and shape your life. Passionate, lively, and lyrical, Maya Angelou’s latest unforgettable work offers a gem of truth on every page. Maya Angelou speaks out . . . On Faith: “I'm taken aback when people walk up to me and tell me they are Christians. My first response is the question 'Already?' It seems to me a lifelong endeavor to try to live the life of a Christian. It is in the search itself that one finds ecstasy.” On Racism: “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.” On Taking Time for Ourselves: “Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us. A day away acts as a spring tonic. It can dispel rancor, transform indecision, and renew the spirit.” On Death and Grieving: “When I sense myself filling with rage at the absence of a beloved, I try as soon as possible to remember that my concerns should be focused on what I can learn from my departed love. What legacy was left which can help me in the art of living a good life?” On Style: “Style is as unique and nontransferable and perfectly personal as a fingerprint. It is wise to take the time to develop one's own way of being, increasing those things one does well and eliminating the elements in one's character which can hinder and diminish the good personality.”
  short story maya angelou: Life Doesn't Frighten Me (25th Anniversary Edition) Maya Angelou, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sara Jane Boyers, 2018-01-09 Shadows on the wallNoises down the hallLife doesn't frighten me at all Maya Angelou's brave, defiant poem celebrates the courage within each of us, young and old. From the scary thought of panthers in the park to the unsettling scene of a new classroom, fearsome images are summoned and dispelled by the power of faith in ourselves.Angelou's strong words are matched by the daring vision of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose childlike style reveals the powerful emotions and fanciful imaginings of childhood. Together, Angelou's words and Basquiat's paintings create a place where every child, indeed every person, may experience his or her own fearlessness.Celebrating its successful 25 years in print, this brilliant introduction to poetry and contemporary art features brief, updated biographies of Angelou and Basquiat, an afterword from the editor, and a fresh new look. A selected bibliography of Angelou's books and a selected museum listing of Basquiat's works open the door to further inspiration through the fine arts.
  short story maya angelou: Graduation Maya Angelou, 1989-09 As is usually the case with most graduation tales, this account focuses on growing up. With greater intensity than ever before, the narrator of the story is confronted with the fact that she is black. A surprising twist to the graduation ceremony helps her see what that fact means to her.--Page 2.
  short story maya angelou: Even The Stars Look Lonesome Maya Angelou, 2013-02-07 Lessons of a lifetime from the author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS 'A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' BARACK OBAMA With her customary courage and humour - and always with style and grace - Maya Angelou reflects on the people and places she has known. She talks about Africa and ageing, she gives us a profile of her great friend and 'daughter' Oprah Winfrey, she sings the praises of sensuality. But here too are her thoughts on the end of a much-wanted marriage, confessions of rage and the importance of solitude. EVEN THE STARS LOOK LONESOME is the work of a wonderful woman who is not afraid to admit to the mistakes and vulnerabilities that make us human. 'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY 'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON
  short story maya angelou: On the Pulse of Morning Maya Angelou, 1993 A beautifully packaged hardcover edition of the poem that captivated the nation and quickly became a national bestseller. From the Trade Paperback edition.
  short story maya angelou: Maya Angelou Margaret Courtney-Clarke, 1999 As an author, poet, actress, director, and civic leader, Maya Angelou has had a profound influence on the lives of millions around the world. Closer to home, she has also profoundly influenced her many friends and family members--by counseling, encouraging, praising, and exhorting, and not least, teaching by example. One of those whose lives she touched, photographer Margaret Courtney-Clarke, offers a tribute in these pages--moving and revealing portraits of her friend. Taken over the course of a year, at bookstore signings, on stage, and at home, Courtney-Clarke's photographs both celebrate and illuminate one of the great figures of our time. Supporting the visual story are thoughts on Angelou's powers of friendship as interpreted by her friends, in chapters that highlight the poet's virtues--Joy, Giving, Learning, Perseverance, Creativity, Courage, Self-Respect, Spirituality, Love, and Taking Risks. Among those represented here, all of whom count Dr. Angelou as one of the most important persons in their lives, are leaders Coretta Scott King, Reverend Barbara King, and Andrew Young; singers Ashford and Simpson; and Dr. Angelou's son, the writer Guy Johnson. And in her touching foreword, Oprah Winfrey describes how Dr. Angelou came to be her counsel, consultant, advisor, shoulder to cry on, Rock, Shield, Protector, Defender, Mama Bear, and Mother-Sister-Friend. Maya Angelou's strength in the face of a difficult life, her concern for others, and the singular artistry of her writings give guidance to all who seek their own spiritual way in the world. In Courtney-Clarke's photographs and in the words of Dr. Angelou's closest friends, the true wisdom of her spirit emerges.
  short story maya angelou: Too Much Happiness Alice Munro, 2009 Brilliantly paced, lit with sparks of danger and underlying menace, these are dazzling, provocative stories about Svengali men, and radical women who outmanoeuvre them, about destructive marriages and curdled friendships, about mothers and sons, about moments which change or haunt a life. Alice Munro takes on complex, even harrowing emotions and events, and renders them into stories that surprise, amaze and shed light on the unpredictable ways we accommodate to what happens in our lives. A young wife and mother, whose spirit has been crushed, finds release from her extraordinary pain in the most unlikely place. The student victim of a humiliating seduction (which involves reading Housman in the nude) finds an unusual way to get her own back and move on.An older woman, dying of cancer, weaves a poisonous story to save her life. Other stories uncover the 'deep holes' in marriage and their consequences, the dangerous intimacy of girls and the cruelty of children. The long title story follows Sophia Kovalevsky, a late nineteenth-century Russian emigree and mathematical genius, as she takes a fateful winter journey that begins with a visit to her lover on the Riviera, and ends in Sweden, where she is a professor at the only university willing to hire a woman to teach her subject. Munro's unsettling stories turn lives into art, expand our world and our understanding of the strange workings of the human heart.
  short story maya angelou: Maya Angelou Danielle Jawando, 2019-09-30 Maya Angelou was an African-American author, poet, playwright and civil rights activist. She wrote seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and a long list of plays, films and television shows. Never taking 'No' for an answer, Maya used her voice and her art to overcome prejudice and difficulty and to become an inspiration to those around her and to future generations.
  short story maya angelou: Domestic Work Natasha Trethewey, 2000-08 In this debut collection, Natasha Trethewey draws moving domestic portraits of families, past and present, caught in the act of earning a living and managing their households. Small moments taken from a labour-filled day reveal the equally hard emotional work of memory and forgetting, and the extraordinary difficulty of trying to live with or without someone.
  short story maya angelou: Maya Angelou's I Know why the Caged Bird Sings Joanne M. Braxton, 1999 With the continued expansion of the literary canon, multicultural works of modern literary fiction and autobiography have assumed an increasing importance for students and scholars of American literature. This exciting new series assembles key documents and criticism concerning these works that have so recently become central components of the American literature curriculum. Each casebook will reprint documents relating to the work's historical context and reception, present the best in critical essays, and when possible, feature an interview of the author. The series will provide, for the first time, an accessible forum in which readers can come to a fuller understanding of these contemporary masterpieces and the unique aspects of American ethnic, racial, or cultural experience that they so ably portray. Perhaps more than any other single text, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings helped to establish the mainstream status of the renaissance in black women's writing. This casebook presents a variety of critical approaches to this classic autobiography, along with an exclusive interview with Angelou conducted specially for this volume and a unique drawing of her childhood surroundings in Stamps, Arkansas, drawn by the Angelou herself.
  short story maya angelou: Some Love, Some Pain, Sometime J. California Cooper, 2010-12-29 Whether through her stories or her legendary readings, J. California Cooper has an uncanny ability to reach out to readers like an old and dear friend. Her characters are plain-spoken and direct: simple people for whom life, despite its ever-present struggles, is always worth the journey. In Some Love, Some Pain, Sometime, Cooper's characteristic themes of romance, heartbreak, struggle and faith resonate. We meet Darlin, a self-proclaimed femme fatale who uses her wiles to try to find a husband; MLee, whose life seems to be coming to an end at the age of forty until she decides to set out and see if she can make a new life for herself; Kissy and Buddy, both trying and failing to find them until they finally meet each other; and Aberdeen, whose daughter Uniqua shows her how to educate herself and move up in the world. These characters and others offer inspiration, laughter, instruction and pure enjoyment in what is one of J. California Cooper's finest story collections.
  short story maya angelou: Celebrations Maya Angelou, 2010-09-02 A collection of poetry witnessing celebrations both private and public, from the author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS. 'A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' BARACK OBAMA Maya Angelou's poetry has stirred our souls, energized our minds and healed our hearts. Celebrations is a collection of timely and timeless poems: the inspiring 'On the Pulse of Morning', read at President William Jefferson Clinton's 1993 inauguration; the heartening 'Amazing Peace'; 'A Brave and Startling Truth', which marked the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations; and 'Mother', which beautifully honours the first woman in our lives. 'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY 'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON
  short story maya angelou: Milk in My Coffee Eric Jerome Dickey, 2000-05-01 From Eric Jerome Dickey comes the New York Times bestselling book that stirred up controversy with its bold portrayal of racial identity and subtle understanding of sexual intimacy. Jordan Greene is in culture shock when he arrives in Manhattan from his Tennessee hometown. Still, he manages to keep the pace and stay in the race, with a Wall Street job, a Queens apartment, and a very sexy girlfriend named J'nette. But when Jordan meets Kimberly Chavers, what starts as a shared cab ride turns into something more. This girl is funny, fiesty, fine...and white. And for a man with Malcolm X's picture hanging on his office wall, that's a definite problem.... This brightly entertaining and emotionally complex novel demonstrates why Eric Jerome Dickey was “one of the most successful Black authors of the last quarter-century” (The New York Times).
  short story maya angelou: My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me Maya Angelou, 2003-03-11 Full color photographs. Hello, Stranger-Friend begins Maya Angelou's story about Thandi, a South African Ndebele girl, her mischievous brother, her beloved chicken, and the astonishing mural art produced by the women of her tribe. With never-before-seen photographs of the very private Ndebele women and their paintings, this unique book shows the passing of traditions from parent to child and introduces young readers to a new culture through a new friend.
  short story maya angelou: Hallelujah! The Welcome Table Maya Angelou, 2009-06-03 Throughout Maya Angelou’s life, from her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas, to her world travels as a bestselling writer, good food has played a central role. Preparing and enjoying homemade meals provides a sense of purpose and calm, accomplishment and connection. Now in Hallelujah! The Welcome Table, Angelou shares memories pithy and poignant—and the recipes that helped to make them both indelible and irreplaceable. Angelou tells us about the time she was expelled from school for being afraid to speak—and her mother baked a delicious maple cake to brighten her spirits. She gives us her recipe for short ribs along with a story about a job she had as a cook at a Creole restaurant (never mind that she didn’t know how to cook and had no idea what Creole food might entail). There was the time in London when she attended a wretched dinner party full of wretched people; but all wasn’t lost—she did experience her initial taste of a savory onion tart. She recounts her very first night in her new home in Sonoma, California, when she invited M. F. K. Fisher over for cassoulet, and the evening Deca Mitford roasted a chicken when she was beyond tipsy—and created Chicken Drunkard Style. And then there was the hearty brunch Angelou made for a homesick Southerner, a meal that earned her both a job offer and a prophetic compliment: “If you can write half as good as you can cook, you are going to be famous.” Maya Angelou is renowned in her wide and generous circle of friends as a marvelous chef. Her kitchen is a social center. From fried meat pies, chicken livers, and beef Wellington to caramel cake, bread pudding, and chocolate éclairs, the one hundred-plus recipes included here are all tried and true, and come from Angelou’s heart and her home. Hallelujah! The Welcome Table is a stunning collaboration between the two things Angelou loves best: writing and cooking.
  short story maya angelou: Frankenstein Dreams Michael Sims, 2017-09-05 From Mary Shelley to H.G. Wells, a collection of the best Victorian science fiction from Michael Sims, the editor of Dracula's Guest. Long before 1984, Star Wars, or The Hunger Games, Victorian authors imagined a future where new science and technologies reshaped the world and universe they knew. The great themes of modern science fiction showed up surprisingly early: space and time travel, dystopian societies, even dangerously independent machines, all inspiring the speculative fiction of the Victorian era. In Frankenstein Dreams, Michael Sims has gathered many of the very finest stories, some by classic writers such as Jules Verne, Mary Shelley, and H.G. Wells, but many that will surprise general readers. Dark visions of the human psyche emerge in Thomas Wentworth Higginson's The Monarch of Dreams, while Mary E. Wilkins Freeman provides a glimpse of “the fifth dimension” in her provocative tale The Hall Bedroom.' With contributions by Edgar Allan Poe, Alice Fuller, Rudyard Kipling, Thomas Hardy, Arthur Conan Doyle, and many others, each introduced by Michael Sims, whose elegant introduction provides valuable literary and historical context, Frankenstein Dreams is a treasure trove of stories known and rediscovered.
  short story maya angelou: Phenomenal Woman Maya Angelou, 2011-10-05 A collection of beloved poems about women from the iconic Maya Angelou These four poems, “Phenomenal Woman,” “Still I Rise,” “Weekend Glory,” and “Our Grandmothers,” are among the most remembered and acclaimed of Maya Angelou's poems. They celebrate women with a majesty that has inspired and touched the hearts of millions. “Phenomenal Woman” is a phenomenal poem that speaks to us of where we are as women at the dawn of a new century. In a clear voice, Maya Angelou vividly reminds us of our towering strength and beauty.
  short story maya angelou: Hot and Cool Marcela Breton, 1990 Jazz--the music, the look, and the attitude--has fascinated people for most of this century. Hot and Cool takes readers deep into the world of cool people and hot music with contemporary short stories by some of the world's most celebrated writers exploring the jazz aesthetic.
  short story maya angelou: Maya Angelou Lisbeth Kaiser, 2018-03-01 In this international bestseller from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Maya Angelou, the powerful speaker, writer and civil rights activist. Maya Angelou spent much of her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas. After a traumatic event at age eight, she stopped speaking for five years. However, Maya rediscovered her voice through wonderful books, and went on to become one of the world's most beloved writers and speakers. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Maya Angelou's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
  short story maya angelou: What Are You Going Through Sigrid Nunez, 2020-09-08 NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2020 BY NPR, PEOPLE, AND O, THE OPRAH MAGAZINE A NEW YORK TIMES CRITICS’ TOP BOOK OF 2020 NATIONAL BESTSELLER “As good as The Friend, if not better.” —The New York Times “Impossible to put down . . . leavened with wit and tenderness.” —People “I was dazed by the novel’s grace.” —The New Yorker The New York Times–bestselling, National Book Award–winning author of The Friend brings her singular voice to a story about the meaning of life and death, and the value of companionship A woman describes a series of encounters she has with various people in the ordinary course of her life: an ex she runs into by chance at a public forum, an Airbnb owner unsure how to interact with her guests, a stranger who seeks help comforting his elderly mother, a friend of her youth now hospitalized with terminal cancer. In each of these people the woman finds a common need: the urge to talk about themselves and to have an audience to their experiences. The narrator orchestrates this chorus of voices for the most part as a passive listener, until one of them makes an extraordinary request, drawing her into an intense and transformative experience of her own. In What Are You Going Through, Nunez brings wisdom, humor, and insight to a novel about human connection and the changing nature of relationships in our times. A surprising story about empathy and the unusual ways one person can help another through hardship, her book offers a moving and provocative portrait of the way we live now.
  short story maya angelou: Pog Padraig Kenny, 2019-07-01 David and Penny’s strange new home is surrounded by forest. It’s the childhood home of their mother, who’s recently died. But other creatures live here… magical creatures, like tiny, hairy Pog. He’s one of the First Folk, protecting the boundary between the worlds. As the children explore, they discover monsters slipping through from the place Pog calls ‘downways’. Meanwhile, David is drawn into the woods by something darker, which insists there’s a way he can bring his mother back…
  short story maya angelou: The Perfect Predator Steffanie Strathdee, Thomas Patterson, 2019-02-26 An electrifying memoir of one woman's extraordinary effort to save her husband's life-and the discovery of a forgotten cure that has the potential to save millions more. A memoir that reads like a thriller. -New York Times Book Review A fascinating and terrifying peek into the devastating outcomes of antibiotic misuse-and what happens when standard health care falls short. -Scientific American Epidemiologist Steffanie Strathdee and her husband, psychologist Tom Patterson, were vacationing in Egypt when Tom came down with a stomach bug. What at first seemed like a case of food poisoning quickly turned critical, and by the time Tom had been transferred via emergency medevac to the world-class medical center at UC San Diego, where both he and Steffanie worked, blood work revealed why modern medicine was failing: Tom was fighting one of the most dangerous, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the world. Frantic, Steffanie combed through research old and new and came across phage therapy: the idea that the right virus, aka the perfect predator, can kill even the most lethal bacteria. Phage treatment had fallen out of favor almost 100 years ago, after antibiotic use went mainstream. Now, with time running out, Steffanie appealed to phage researchers all over the world for help. She found allies at the FDA, researchers from Texas A&M, and a clandestine Navy biomedical center -- and together they resurrected a forgotten cure. A nail-biting medical mystery, The Perfect Predator is a story of love and survival against all odds, and the (re)discovery of a powerful new weapon in the global superbug crisis.
  short story maya angelou: The Cherry Tree Ruskin Bond, 2012-11-15 Rakesh plants a cherry seedling in his garden and watches it grow. As seasons go by, the small tree survives heavy monsoon showers, a hungry goat that eats most of the leaves and a grass cutter who splits it into two with one sweep. At last, on his ninth birthday, Rakesh is rewarded with a miraculous sight—the first pink blossoms of his precious cherry tree! This beautifully illustrated edition brings alive the magical charm of one of Ruskin Bond’s most unforgettable tales.
  short story maya angelou: Who Was Maya Angelou? Ellen Labrecque, Who HQ, 2016-01-12 Born in Missouri in 1928, Maya Angelou had a difficult childhood. Jim Crow laws segregated blacks and whites in the South. Her family life was unstable at times. But much like her poem, Still I Rise, Angelou was able to lift herself out of her situation and flourish. She moved to California and became the first black—and first female—streetcar operator before following her interest in dance. She became a professional performer in her twenties and toured the U.S. and Europe as an opera star and calypso dancer. But Angelou's writing became her defining talent. Her poems and books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, brought her international acclaim.
  short story maya angelou: Maya's World: Angelina of Italy Maya Angelou, 2012-10-31 ANGELINA LOVES PIZZA. So much so that when she hears that there is a Leaning Tower of Pisa, and mistakenly thinks it’s made of pizzas, she is so distressed that she must go see it for herself!
  short story maya angelou: Mr. Maloof Danielle Marietta, 2022-03 Every kid is a bit goofy, and Mr. Maloof was no different. Until he grew up and became quite a grump. Then one day a little blue hair appeared right on the top of his head. With his new blue hair and the help of some neighborhood kids, Mr. Maloof is reminded the importance of staying young at heart.
  short story maya angelou: The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou Maya Angelou, 2012-04-18 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Maya Angelou’s classic memoirs have had an enduring impact on American literature and culture. Her life story is told in the documentary film And Still I Rise, as seen on PBS’s American Masters. This Modern Library edition contains I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Gather Together in My Name, Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas, The Heart of a Woman, All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes, and A Song Flung Up to Heaven. When I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was published to widespread acclaim in 1969, Maya Angelou garnered the attention of an international audience with the triumphs and tragedies of her childhood in the American South. This soul-baring memoir launched a six-book epic spanning the sweep of the author’s incredible life. Now, for the first time, all six celebrated and bestselling autobiographies are available in this handsome one-volume edition. Dedicated fans and newcomers alike can follow the continually absorbing chronicle of Angelou’s life: her formative childhood in Stamps, Arkansas; the birth of her son, Guy, at the end of World War II; her adventures traveling abroad with the famed cast of Porgy and Bess; her experience living in a black expatriate “colony” in Ghana; her intense involvement with the civil rights movement, including her association with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X; and, finally, the beginning of her writing career. The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou traces the best and worst of the American experience in an achingly personal way. Angelou has chronicled her remarkable journey and inspired people of every generation and nationality to embrace life with commitment and passion.
  short story maya angelou: Summary of Maya Angelou's The Heart of a Woman Everest Media,, 2022-05-03T22:59:00Z Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 I began to write. I limited myself to short sketches, then song lyrics, then short stories. I wanted to leave Los Angeles and move to New York, where I could find my own niche and become a success. #2 I met my mother in 1959 in Fresno, California. She was wearing her Dobbs hat and tan suede suit. I was scared of how people would react to me, but she assured me that they were just ugly and made me stop and think. #3 My mother was afraid of white people, and she made it known. She had a dark-blue German Luger hidden under her wallet, and she was ready for the Desert Hotel if they didn’t integrate. #4 I met a writer, John Killens, who invited me to New York. I wanted to write, and he invited me to New York. I planned for him to stay with the man I was leaving. Mother had left me and my brother for 10 years to be raised by our paternal grandmother.
"My First Lifeline" by Maya Angelou - Winston Park Elementary
"My First Lifeline" by Maya Angelou. Directions: Annotate for structure, narrative, descriptive language, figurative. language, sensory details and dialogue. (71 For nearly ayear, I sopped …

Mrs. Flowers - Temecula Valley Unified School District
Background Information: “Mrs. Flowers” is from a volume of Maya Angelou’s autobiography. When Angelou (born Marguerite Johnson) was a little girl, her parents separated. She and her …

Champion of the World Maya Angelou - eng121
Champion of the World Maya Angelou. “Champion of the World” is the nineteenth chapter in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings; the title is a phrase taken from the chapter. Remembering …

from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Mrs. Flowers by Maya …
Mrs. Flowers. from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. by Maya Angelou. For nearly a year, I sopped around the house, the Store, the school, and the church, like an old biscuit, dirty and …

The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou
This book is dedicated to the great love of my life. Contents. . Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water fore I Diiie. PART ONE: WHERE LOVE IS A SCREAM OF ANGUISH. They Went Home The …

LIFE DOESN’T FRIGHTEN ME By: Maya Angelou - Oxford Area …
LIFE DOESN’T FRIGHTEN MEBy: Maya AngelouShadows on the wall Noises down the hail Life doesn’t frighten me at all Bad dogs barking loud Big ghosts i. a cloud Life doesn’t frighten me …

Ms. Miller's English Class - Ms. Miller ~ English


Maya Angelou - poems - Poem Hunter
Maya Angelou(4 April 1928 - 28 May 2014) (born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928) was an American author and poet who has been called "America's most visible black female …

Life Doesn't Frighten Me at All Angelou TE - Education …
Panthers in the park Strangers in the dark No, they don't frighten me at all. That new classroom where Boys all pull my hair (Kissy little girls With their hair in curls) They don't frighten me at …

Short Story Maya Angelou (PDF) - netsec.csuci.edu
This post delves into the world of Maya Angelou's short stories, exploring their thematic elements, stylistic choices, and lasting impact. We'll examine some of her most notable works, analyze …

Maya Angelou Short Stories [PDF] - netsec.csuci.edu
Maya Angelou Short Stories Maya Angelou Short Stories: Exploring the Power of Brief Narratives Are you captivated by the lyrical prose and profound insights of Maya Angelou? While she's …

Amazing Peace: a Christmas poem - Old South
Amazing Peace: a Christmas poem. by Maya Angelou. Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses. Flood waters await us in our avenues. Snow …

Equality -A Poem By Maya Angelou - KERA
Maya Angelou explores this worldwide dilemma in her poem, "Equality." With metaphors of shadows and drums, Angelou displays the everyday frustrations of the oppressed in a society …

Ms. Shirk's Digital Portfolio - Home


maya angelou - Famous People Lessons
THE READING / TAPESCRIPT. Maya Angelou is part of the fabric of modern America. She has told her story of being a key part of the civil rights movement through poetry, novels and film. …

Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, where her mother lived, …
Maya Angelou 1928— Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, where her mother lived, but was raised in Arkansas by her grandmother, who ran a general store. She began a theatrical …

Autobiography: Maya Angelou - Yale University
The first objective of the unit is to expose students to the concepts of autobiography, biography, and fiction as literary genres. The second objective is to enable students to read, study, and …

repositorio.ul.pt
In raising the issues of power and otherness, Maya Angelou's short story "Names" has Wise things to say about American society, its values, and its history. The main character

Video Oral History with Maya Angelou - The HistoryMakers
Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014 at the age of 86. Scope and Content. This life oral history interview with Maya Angelou was conducted by Julieanna L. Richardson on August 31, …

“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou - Holland
Maya Angelou, “Still I Rise” from And Still I Rise. Copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou. Who do you think the speaker/narrator of the poem is? Is it a person? A cultural group? Identify words or phrases that help you identify the speaker/narrator. How does the speaker/narrator seem to feel about herself (or itself)?

"My First Lifeline" by Maya Angelou - Winston Park Elementary
"My First Lifeline" by Maya Angelou. Directions: Annotate for structure, narrative, descriptive language, figurative. language, sensory details and dialogue. (71 For nearly ayear, I sopped …

Mrs. Flowers - Temecula Valley Unified School District
Background Information: “Mrs. Flowers” is from a volume of Maya Angelou’s autobiography. When Angelou (born Marguerite Johnson) was a little girl, her parents separated. She and her brother Bailey were sent to Stamps, Arkansas to live with their grandmother (called Momma), who owned a general store.

Champion of the World Maya Angelou - eng121
Champion of the World Maya Angelou. “Champion of the World” is the nineteenth chapter in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings; the title is a phrase taken from the chapter. Remembering her own childhood, the writer tells us how she and her older brother, Bailey, grew up in …

from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Mrs. Flowers by Maya …
Mrs. Flowers. from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. by Maya Angelou. For nearly a year, I sopped around the house, the Store, the school, and the church, like an old biscuit, dirty and inedible. Then I met, or rather got to know, the lady who threw me my first lifeline.

The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou
This book is dedicated to the great love of my life. Contents. . Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water fore I Diiie. PART ONE: WHERE LOVE IS A SCREAM OF ANGUISH. They Went Home The Gamut.

LIFE DOESN’T FRIGHTEN ME By: Maya Angelou - Oxford Area …
LIFE DOESN’T FRIGHTEN MEBy: Maya AngelouShadows on the wall Noises down the hail Life doesn’t frighten me at all Bad dogs barking loud Big ghosts i. a cloud Life doesn’t frighten me at all.Mean old Mother Goose Lions on the loose They don’t frighten me at all Dragons breathing flame On my co. go boo Make them shoo. fun Way they runwon ...

Ms. Miller's English Class - Ms. Miller ~ English
MOMMA, THE DENTIST, AND ME Maya Angelou Born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis in 1928, Maya Angelou was raised with her brother, Bailey, in Stamps, Arkansas, by her grandmother, who, with Uncle Willie, operated a country store.

Maya Angelou - poems - Poem Hunter
Maya Angelou(4 April 1928 - 28 May 2014) (born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928) was an American author and poet who has been called "America's most visible black female autobiographer" by scholar Joanne M. Braxton. She is best known for her series of six autobiographical volumes, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences.

Life Doesn't Frighten Me at All Angelou TE - Education …
Panthers in the park Strangers in the dark No, they don't frighten me at all. That new classroom where Boys all pull my hair (Kissy little girls With their hair in curls) They don't frighten me at all. Don't show me frogs and snakes And listen for my scream, If I'm afraid at …

Short Story Maya Angelou (PDF) - netsec.csuci.edu
This post delves into the world of Maya Angelou's short stories, exploring their thematic elements, stylistic choices, and lasting impact. We'll examine some of her most notable works, analyze her narrative techniques, and uncover

Maya Angelou Short Stories [PDF] - netsec.csuci.edu
Maya Angelou Short Stories Maya Angelou Short Stories: Exploring the Power of Brief Narratives Are you captivated by the lyrical prose and profound insights of Maya Angelou? While she's renowned for her autobiographies, particularly I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, many overlook the gems hidden within her collection of short stories.

Amazing Peace: a Christmas poem - Old South
Amazing Peace: a Christmas poem. by Maya Angelou. Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses. Flood waters await us in our avenues. Snow falls upon snow, falls upon snow to avalanche Over unprotected villages. The sky slips low and grey and threatening.

Equality -A Poem By Maya Angelou - KERA
Maya Angelou explores this worldwide dilemma in her poem, "Equality." With metaphors of shadows and drums, Angelou displays the everyday frustrations of the oppressed in a society that draws a blind eye. She paints the worlds of both sides, creates a clashing scenario, and expresses her thoughts in a mere three part poem.

Ms. Shirk's Digital Portfolio - Home
MAYA ANGELOU: WRITER, ESSAYIST, POET AND VOICE OF AMERICA Name . "When I Lay My Burden Down" from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou In Stamps, the segregation was so complete that most Black children …

maya angelou - Famous People Lessons
THE READING / TAPESCRIPT. Maya Angelou is part of the fabric of modern America. She has told her story of being a key part of the civil rights movement through poetry, novels and film. She is best known for her six autobiographies, most notably ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’.

Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, where her mother lived, …
Maya Angelou 1928— Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, where her mother lived, but was raised in Arkansas by her grandmother, who ran a general store. She began a theatrical career then she toured with Porgy and Bess in 1954-1955. An- _gelow is now a poet, writer, lecturer, and teacher. She read her poem “On the

Autobiography: Maya Angelou - Yale University
The first objective of the unit is to expose students to the concepts of autobiography, biography, and fiction as literary genres. The second objective is to enable students to read, study, and analyze Maya Angelou’s autobiographical writings in …

repositorio.ul.pt
In raising the issues of power and otherness, Maya Angelou's short story "Names" has Wise things to say about American society, its values, and its history. The main character

Video Oral History with Maya Angelou - The HistoryMakers
Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014 at the age of 86. Scope and Content. This life oral history interview with Maya Angelou was conducted by Julieanna L. Richardson on August 31, 2010, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and was recorded on …