Continuing to read "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, I can see that the story contains some specific archetypes. For example, the character “Mom” is the wise old woman, the color archetype “Black” and the plot is the home search archetype. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The first archetype is Maya's grandmother, also called "Mom", being the wise old women. Maya considers her to be a very strict and religious woman, but very powerful, proud and loving. Mom gives advice to Maya and acts like her mother. His advice isn't always words and lessons, sometimes it's facts. Maya is impressed by her grandmother's determination and says, "Mama walked into that room as if it were her own" (Angelou, 189). The quote represents her grandmother's tenacity and "old lady" attitude. The book is also about others who have a specific view of the world and what happens in it and one of these people is mom. The story states: “They basked in the righteousness of the poor and the exclusivity of the oppressed. Let white people have their money, their power, their segregation, their sarcasm, their big houses, their schools and carpeted lawns, and their books, and above all – above all – let them have their whiteness. It was better to be meek and humble, spat on and abused for this short time than to spend eternity frying in hellfire” (Angelou, 131). One might say that this statement is significant and wise. The message is an important lesson that Mom teaches Maya. The lesson is that it's better to let others be naughty and have fun while you do well, because eventually it will work in your favor. This archetype is seen in many other places such as films, TV shows, and writings. An important archetype is the color black. A big part of the story is that Maya is a black girl, trying to live in a white-dominated society. The color black is often associated with bad things and filth in the book, as well as in society. When Maya has a toothache she says, “It seemed terribly unfair to have a toothache and a headache and have to bear the heavy burden of Blackness at the same time” (Angelou, 187). She describes how society forces their opinions on her and makes her feel terrible because of her appearance. On the other hand, Maya says that there is beauty in the color black. The rich darkness and seriousness of the shadow shows power and mystery. This archetype is often shown in films like “Help” or “Get Out”. The final archetype is finding home. Maya is staying with her grandmothers, but there is speculation that she may return to St Louis with her mother. During this section he often says that he would rather stay with his mother than go to the city. On the one hand, if he were to move back with his mother, he might see that his real home is in Stamps, with his grandmother. He could then return to the place where he feels comfortable and happy. This would then follow the archetype of finding home because it would be in the only place he truly wants to be. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay I am very close to finishing the book. I see that the story has some important archetypes, such as the color black, old women, and finding home. As I continue reading, I will continue to look for other archetypes and perhaps find more evidence to support the current archetypes and their claims..