Letter to My Daughter

“My life has been long, and believing that life loves the liver of it, I have dared to try many things, sometimes trembling, but daring, still. I have only included events and lessons which I have found useful. I have not told how I have used the solutions, knowing that you are intelligent and creative and resourceful and you will use them as you see fit.”

Angelou offers a definition of life as something that exists in a loving relationship with the liver—a definition that hints life itself may be a kind of “mother.” Since life is a unique and personal experience, Angelou positions Letter as a collection of lessons that the reader can use however they like. 

“I gave birth to one child, a son, but I have thousands of Daughters. You are Black and White, Jewish and Muslim, Asian, Spanish-speaking, Native American and Aleut. You are fat and thin and pretty and plain, gay and straight, educated and unlettered, and I am speaking to you all. Here is my offering to you.” 

Angelou’s definition of a daughter establishes the work’s eclectic nature. A daughter does not have one singular identity, but instead encompasses a range of differences. In dedicating her work to her daughter, Angelou is dedicating it to everyone. 

“I may never be known as a philanthropist, but I certainly am a lover of mankind, and I will give freely of my resources.”

Angelou differentiates between philanthropy and charity. While philanthropists claim to love mankind, they often operate within large and to some extent anonymous groups. Angelou, on the other hand, understands the power of individual gestures and kind words. She strives to correct injustices as she encounters them. As such, she identifies as charitable.