Why Maya Angelou picks the title "Finishing School."

During the Victorian reign, Finishing school was a famous and prestige private school for wealthy young girls. It emphasized cultural studies for social activities, introduced good manners and etiquette, and taught skills such as dancing, singing and much more. In other words, Finishing school prepared young ladies for "future life". The title Finishing School by Maya Angelou, has a different meaning, I would say the title is ironic. Angelou's main character Margaret went through her …

…even. The author says "While white girls learned to waltz and sit gracefully with a tea cup balanced on their knees, we were lagging behind, learning the mid-Victorian values with very little money to indulge them..." Mrs. Cullinan indulged her china piece meanwhile little Margaret had nothing to indulge but her dignity. Through out Margaret's experience in "Finishing School" she learns about race differences and dignity, both values witch will serve her in the future.