Maya Angelou Rape Scene

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Key passage: In the rape scene, Angelou uses characterization to demonstrate how words can be used to build or destroy others. While Maya was living in St. Louis with Vivian, Mr. Freeman takes advantage of Maya one morning after Vivian had not come home the night before. Angelou explains, “I wasn't afraid, a little apprehensive, maybe, but not afraid”(72). This shows that Maya’s innocence and lack of knowledge about sex kept her from being afraid. Her innocence also causes her to become confused after the incident but forced to remain silent after being threatened. Angelou says, “I could tell he meant what he said. I couldn't understand why he wanted to kill my brother“ (78). Mr. Freeman threatens to kill Bailey if Maya tells anyone about …show more content…
Freeman” and states “I started to back away. I didn't want to touch that...”(77). Angelou was powerless and her rejection towards Mr. Freeman didn’t save her. After the rape, Angelou spoke quietly to Mr. Freeman as she “thought if I spoke out loud, he might become frightened and hurt me again” (79). This shows that Angelou was being cautious to avoid another incident and avoiding to trigger Mr. Freeman and cause him to become forceful again. Angelou continued on with her life as if nothing had happened, but eventually, her family notices that something was wrong and though she was sick. She remained silent regardless of her family’s attempt to make her feel better. Mr. Freeman’s threat to kill Bailey, the person who she loves the most, silenced her from telling anyone about the incident. Mr. Freeman used his words to control and show dominance against Maya. It became worse when Maya became completely mute with everyone except for Bailey, as she thought her words could harm others because, after the trial for his conviction of rape, Mr. Freeman was killed. Angelou states “I had sold myself to the devil and there could be no escape. The only thing I could do was to stop talking to people other than
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