Skip to content

A certain person wondered why a big strong girl like me…

“A certain person wondered why a big strong girl like me wouldn't keep a job which paid a normal salary. I took my time to lead her and to read her every page. Even minimal people can't survive on minimal wage. A certain person wondered why I wait all week for you. I didn't have the words to…” quote by Maya Angelou
Download Open image
“A certain person wondered why a big strong girl like me wouldn't keep a job which paid a normal salary. I took my time to lead her and to read her every page. Even minimal people can't survive on minimal wage. A certain person wondered why I wait all week for you. I didn't have the words to describe just what you do. I said you had the motion of the ocean in your walk, and when you solve my riddles you don't even have to talk.”

Maya Angelou

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The narrator reflects on societal judgments about gender, work, and love, emphasizing empathy and deep connection beyond words.

In simple terms: Societal judgments overlook deeper human connections.

Key Takeaway

Look beyond surface judgments.

Themes

gender work love empathy

Mood

thoughtful empathetic

Type

literary personal

When to use this quote

  • advocacy for fair wages
  • expressing love
  • listening deeply

Key Concepts

social norms identity communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you perceive gender roles?
  • What non‑verbal cues convey love?
A Different Perspective

Complex narrative may conflate multiple themes.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Maya Angelou

Explore all 1,313 Maya Angelou quotes

More Bigs quotes

Browse all 15,539 Bigs quotes