"Life Doesn't Frighten Me"- Reading Response

In “Life Doesn’t Frighten” by Maya Angelou, younger readers are taught that there are scary things in life but they shouldn’t let that frighten them.  In the text, Maya shows readers that anything in life is possible. “I can walk the ocean floor/and never have to breathe”. This shows how Maya doesn’t let any obstacles stop her from accomplishing in life.

In the poem Maya uses animals, people, and creatures to show how she doesn’t pay attention to her surroundings no matter who or what because they don’t frighten her. “That new classroom where/boys all pull my hair/ (kissy little girls/ with their hair in curls)/ they don’t frighten me at all”. In this part of the text Maya shows how people will do things to you on purpose in life. She encourages readers to do the opposite of what they expect and be the bigger person.

 Maya also teaches young readers that there are going to be people in life who want to see you fail. But you shouldn’t let them determine your future, because it’s your life and nothing can stop you from what you want to do in life. “I go boo/ make them shoo/ I make fun/ way they run/ I won’t cry/ so they fly/ I just smile/ they go wild/ life doesn’t frighten me at all”. This shows how people want you to be scared but you should prove them wrong and show that nothing will stop you from being who you want to be and doing what you want to do.

This poem is great for young readers because it could inspire them to follow their dreams, no matter what anyone tells them. She encourages you to fight for your beliefs and let no one bring you down. It’s your life, nothing should frighten you at all.