Desert Island Discs Maya Angelou on the trauma that made her mute
Oct 15, 2025
Maya Angelou reveals a haunting childhood trauma that left her mute after a horrific event at just seven years old. This silence led her to discover a profound love for poetry, which ultimately helped her reclaim her voice. Guided by a supportive figure, Mrs. Flowers, she found strength in words and expression. Angelou's story is both moving and inspiring, shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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Childhood Trauma And Silence
- Maya Angelou recounts being raped at seven and a half and the rapist's subsequent death.
- She explains she became mute because she believed her spoken accusation had caused his death.
Voice As Perceived Cause
- Young Maya concluded with childlike logic that her voice had killed the man who was identified.
- That belief led her to stop speaking for about five years as a protective response.
Reading Sparked A Return
- Poetry and reading revived Maya Angelou's ability to communicate after years of silence.
- A local woman had her read library books and write responses on a tablet, which kept her connected to language.