Not a Waste

 A discussion question I saw in The Bedford Reader was, 'What response would you give a student who said, 'Doesn't Angelou's approach to writing waste more time and thought than it's worth?' First off, I would assume the person who asked that did not look deep enough into Angelou's writing. Even though in "Champion of the World," Angelou uses much vivid imagery and description, it is those techniques that make her passage great. Angelou's use of slang like "ain't and 'bout," her detailed description of the Store, and the African Americans reaction to the announcer creates an atmosphere that causes you to feel like you are in that very Store. Angelou's writing is very effective and powerful.When I read this passage, I felt like I was one of those prideful African Americans waiting for the outcome of the fight.


Angelou's approach to writing certainly is not a waste of time. Just alone her passage "Champion of the World," helps to expose what it feels like to be an African American living during that time period and makes us recognize and appreciate the freedom we have today. Angelou uses many rhetorical devices and creates pathos by using strong verbs like lynching, hanging, ambushed, maimed, whipped, and raped. Her word choice makes the reader feel sympathy towards African Americans and recognize how important their pride was from defeating Whites. If one refuses to take enough time to think deeper into her writing, then they shouldn't be reading this type of literature.