I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
why does marquerite lie in court
why
why
Mr. Freeman is guilty of raping Maya, but he also sexually abused her before the rape; she had never told anyone about that. When she testifies at Freeman's trial, his lawyer questions her about the past and she lies when asked if there had been prior abuse. She says no because she's afraid if people know she'd let him touch her beforehand they'll believe she is in fact a bad girl, but telling that lie leaves her shouldering a lot of guilt and a feeling of responsibility for his murder.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings