Caged+Bird+by+Maya+Angelou+-+Analysis

[|Back to Contents]  ★  [| Next to Original Poem] In Maya Angelou's Caged Bird, Angelou constantly contrasts the life a free and caged bird. This is because when this poem was written, racism was still a problem. The free bird symbolizes the rights and leisure a white citizen has. The free bird can enjoy its life without restrictions. It is able to claim land as its own and leads a privileged life. The caged bird on the otherhand, represents an African American during these times. The caged bird is limited and already given a disadvantage with its clipped wings and bound feet. In frustration and yearning, the caged bird cries for freedom. He has little to no hope, for his dreams have already died.