The caged bird symbolizes the desire to be free. 2020 TrendyQueen : #1 Woman magazine crafted by DigitalInvest. What is the tone of the poem "Caged Bird"? 2020 TrendyQueen : #1 Woman magazine crafted by. irony. The Importance of Human Freedom and Liberty OR The Themes of Freedom and Privilege. Here, the speaker reveals that his cry for freedom is heard on the distant hill. This parallels to the author and her cry for freedom in the form of equality. senior high school crs They cannot move around as freely as the whites do. Because he appears to have lost everything. Touchscreen by Marshall Davis Jones Analysis. $1.50. The poem speaks to the universal experience of feeling trapped and longing for escape. English grammar A word about the title of the poem, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. 3 weeks ago. These themes are all wrapped together inCaged Birdthrough Angelous depiction of the two birds, one free and one caged. The caged bird has strong feelings. This is Caged Bird analyzed for you. A free bird flying with the wind has complete freedom and chance to fly again at will. She has a Master of Education degree. Video of Maya Angelou performing and reading her work. Poem Solutions Limited International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct,London, EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom. Caged Bird By Maya Angelou A free bird leaps on the back of the wind and floats downstream till the current ends and dips his wing in the orange sun rays and dares to claim the sky. Ironically, the act of sleeping in bed with Mr. Freeman led to Maya's rape. Discrimination against blacks extends to the judicial system. Sky, in the poem, is a symbol of personal development and achievement. When describing the level of racism in Stamps, Arkansas, where she grew up, Maya writes, 'People in Stamps used to say that the whites in our town were so prejudiced that a Negro couldn't buy vanilla ice cream. The overall style of the poem is free verse because Angelou does not employ a regular meter or rhyme scheme. 3 weeks ago. Unfortunately, he cannot taste the joys of the beautiful natural world because his feet are tied, and his wings are clipped. Christian Religious Studies plagiarism <p>a simile</p> alternatives . The caged bird is in a perpetual state of rage because of the treatment he receives from his captors. . Another powerful literary element is irony; she has used this device to show how the world gives the cold shoulder to the caged birds depressing and attention-seeking song. The Irony of Sympathy. Get the entire guide to Caged Bird as a printable PDF. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); You have entered an incorrect email address! The fact that the caged bird sings of freedom despite its current situation conveys a feeling of . The caged bird has difficulty flying. The most striking irony in Maya Angelous poem is this. "Caged Bird Analysis" "Equal rights, fair play, justice, are all like air: we all have it, or none of us has it.". It can go where it wants and explore the world. Verbal irony c) Simile d) Metaphor. Angelou makes use of several literary devices in Caged Bird. These include but are not limited to: In Maya Angelous Caged Bird, the poet uses two bird metaphors. English comprehension The poem makes it clear that the encaged bird on an enslaved individual may be physically restricted or restrained but can not be stopped from singing and dreaming of freedom. After Maya is raped, she lays in bed. This means that there is no single rhyme scheme or metrical pattern that unites all the lines. All he can do is sing the song of his miserable plight, hoping to relive a free and valuable life. Select any word below to get its definition in the context of the poem. Now, its time for you to get the summary, subject matter or the meaning of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The poem 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' is written by poetess Maya Angelou. English. The free bird thinks of another breeze and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn and he names the sky his own. In the poem " I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings " by Maya Angelou, the speaker goes back and forth between stanzas comparing the realities of a free bird to that of a caged bird. self help Thank you for supporting this project. Their inability to move around freely is therefore not only physical. WAEC The free bird symbolizes white Americans or all free people who enjoy equal rights. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Caged Bird African Americans torn away from homeland Free Bird Whites, or ant other non-oppressed people Imagery Stanza 1 helps the reader understand the huge contrast between the two The birds are living two different lives Repetition Repeats lines 5-7 in stanza 2 Stress the perseverance of the caged bird Repeats stanza 3 In fact, we can see three examples of symbolism right in the title! (OOP1, lines 8-17) B. Once again, the writer focuses on the free bird who thinks about another breeze and the global winds. In addition, "dawn bright lawn" and "fat worms" and even "sighing trees" are examples of vivid imagery. The caged bird is trapped in a small space, tied down and mutilated (with his clipped wings) to prevent him from ever leaving. Below are examples of the use of symbols in Maya Angelous I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Freedom that the two characters, Mrs. Mallard and the caged bird, cannot reach. The first in a seven-volume series, it is a coming-of-age story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. You are about to encounter a detailed analysis of Caged Bird (or I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings), a poem by the African-American writer, Maya Angelou. Likewise: and the trade winds soft through the sighing, and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright. For example, Maya describes the racism in Stamps by saying that the black people can't buy vanilla ice cream except on the Fourth of July. The first and third stanzas give the reader a sense of ecstasy and thrill, making the second stanza seem all the more droll and even oppressive. . She claims. RACIAL DISCRIMINATION: rage, throat, sing, things unknown, dreams, shadow, nightmare, NATURE: bird, wind, downstream, current, suns rays, breeze, trees, hills, Note that while the free bird easily gets access to the elements (all opportunities) and can claim the sky as his own, the hills (personal growth and achievement) are out of reach for the caged bird. All key aspects of the poem you need to study for the examination are on full display in this all-in-one tutorial. The poem Caged Bird contains several literary as well as poetic devices. The caged bird has been taken away from its natural habitat and literally placed behind bars twenty-four hours a day. university courses for the caged bird. The poem does not follow any specific rhyme pattern. But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. In Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the author uses verbal, situational, and dramatic irony to describe her childhood experiences with racism and abuse. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. The poem illustrates the contrast between imprisonment and freedom through symbolism of a caged bird and a free bird and then between their dreams and desires. Imagery is the authors use of words to create a sensory experience for the reader. Irony poems by famous poets and best irony poems to feel good. So why does the caged bird sing? In the poem, Angelou employs these poetic devices to contrast a free bird with a bird who is confined to a cage; the two different birds serve as metaphors for people free from oppression and people who are oppressed by society, respectively. A song may appear to be a weak weapon for fighting captivity. STANZA THREE: The caged bird sings with a voice filled with emotion. . She wrote and sang and danced because it was her way of expressing her longing for freedom. "A Caged Bird" was a poem that represented the early stages of Angelou's life. Afterwards, take the quiz to see what you learned. This comes at no extra cost to you. "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou, a celebrated American writer and poet, is a sad poem. The persona in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings contrasts the carefree, privileged life of the whites to the restrictions placed on blacks in American society. I feel like its a lifeline. It sings for its freedom, and everyone, even far distant, can hear its song. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. But a bird that stalks down . This is basically about the significance of the song or singing in the lives of blacks in American society. adult education Below are some of the liberties that the free bird enjoys. Besides the bird, Angelou uses pathetic fallacy when the poems' speaker describes the cage as having "bars of rage." Iambs are also generally referred to as rising feet when the second syllable is stressed. . Using the extended metaphor of these two birds, Angelou paints a critical portrait of oppression in which she illuminates the privilege and entitlement of the un-oppressed, and conveys the simultaneous experience of suffering and emotional resilience. A free bird leaps On the back of the wind and floats downstream till the current ends and dips his wing in the orange sun rays and dares to claim the sky. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Captivity is another major theme in the poem. The speaker pities the caged bird because of its injuries. She feels that Black Americans wrote and sang and danced and cried out for the freedom they deserved, but they were only heard as a distant voice. Like birds in captivity, blacks have been denied their freedom. This, therefore, takes us to another important stage of our analysis of Caged Bird. In contract, the caged bird is associated with the grave of dreams and a nightmare scream. Where The Sidewalk Ends Summary. The poems structure is also built around the poetic device known as contrast. He hardly has any obstacles on the way as his life is only one of a downstream rather than an upstream movement. Like a bird held captive in a cage, the blacks have all their rights denied them. The free bird, on the other hand, is representative of the privileged white race. The title of the book comes from Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem, "Sympathy." . This plays into the content of the caged bird and the free bird. It is through you visiting Poem Analysis that we are able to contribute to charity. Much like Paul Dunbar's poem, "Sympathy," in which he writes, "I know why the caged bird sings," Maya Angelou continues this motif of the caged bird who sings in order to keep his spirit. Except on July Fourth. Latest answer posted July 29, 2019 at 8:49:16 PM. She writes that a free bird thinks of another breeze that he can enjoy the sighing trees and be free to find his own food. Instant PDF downloads. (including. Any chance of realizing his hopes and dreams is almost non-existent. In the poem Caged Bird, both birds show signs of failure in life. It is a coming-of-age novel, the first in a seven-volume series, which shows how character resilience and a love of literature can help resolve prejudice and trauma. It would be the worms that would be scared for their life, losing freedom as the birds feed upon such prey. In "Caged Bird," Maya Angelou uses several poetic devices including alliteration, imagery, and symbolism. Is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings an appropriate title for Maya Angelous poem? Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. This enables us to reach to more depth and appreciate freedom. from University of Missouri-Columbia B.A. African poetry Are there any new babies in the Duggar family? It is what the condition of the caged bird refers to. "What are the poetic devices used in Maya Angelou's poem "Caged Bird"?" The poem depicts Maya's resilience and strength in the face of adversity. It is significant to note, however, that the poet devotes most of the lines of the poem to the plight of the caged bird. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'cegastacademy_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_20',636,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cegastacademy_com-narrow-sky-2-0');But a BIRD that stalks down his narrow cage, His wings are clipped and his feet are tied, The caged bird sings with a fearful trill, And his tune is heard on the distant hill for, And the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright, But a caged BIRD stands on the grave of dreams. (OOP2, lines 19-21) D. The speaker admires the caged bird's courage. These are associated with the life of the free bird and, for that matter, the privileged white population. What are the themes of the poem Caged Bird by Maya Angelou? Hence it is furious but at the same time is helpless. He, with his tied feet and clipped wings, fails to enjoy even the little Freedom. The relationship here is between "cage" and "rage"the cage is constructed of "bars of rage" from which the bird cannot escape and through which he can "seldom see" the outside world. Dramatic irony is when a character acts out of ignorance, but the reader knows the full story. Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem, which inspired Angelou's image of the "caged bird.". The caged individuals may be held back by beliefs or fears or even others who are holding them back or enslaving them in some way. past questions She places both birds in contrast and comments on their way of living. In Maya Angelous I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the major conflicts are: man versus self, man versus society, and man versus man Man versus self is a battle a major character faces within their own personality Man versus society is a struggle against the norms of the community, What is the thesis of Caged Bird by Maya Angelou? Required fields are marked *. It is this control of power that is misused to oppress blacks. The caged bird is satisfied with its life. The second and third stanzas go to tell us about the unenviable condition of the bird that has been held in captivity all his life. The poetic devices Maya Angelou employs to convey her message to her audience. Finally, there is vivid imagery in the first stanza when the free bird "dips his wing/in the orange sun rays" and personification and alliteration in the fourth stanza when the caged bird's "shadow shouts on a nightmare scream." This quote was taken by the poet Maya Angelou, who stressed the idea of equality in many of her works. Ralph teaches English for Academic Purposes (EAP) online. The free bird is referred to the free White people and the caged bird whose wings are cut off and feet entangled, refers to the Black community. This is clearly an indictment of a nation that preaches freedom to the rest of the world. For instance: The relationship between "breeze"/"trees" vividly evokes the sense of the outdoors, a bird's natural habitat, while the half-rhyme of "lawn"/"own" implies that the free bird feels that the breeze, the trees, the lawn, and everything else all belong to him by rights. Also, his songs are heard far away as distant hills because the poor bird sings about Freedom. The word 'cage' represents the subjugation of the blacks and the segregated environment, which in extension refers to the black neighbourhood such as South Side Chicago. Maya Angelous poem, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings exposes and criticizes the state of affairs in an American society blighted by the scourge of racial discrimination. It is not until Bailey changes the sheets on her bed and finds her dirty underwear that they all realize that Maya has been hurt. have symbolic as well as literal meanings. Besides literary devices, the poet has also inserted some poetic devices to add more variety. His terrifying imprisonment bars him from enjoying the true colors of life. Another example from the poem is and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees provides a more pleasant auditory experience for the reader. In the poem "Caged Bird," Maya Angelou uses many poetic devices, including anthropomorphism and metaphor. Two birds have long been a symbol of love, peace, and devotion, What do the birds symbolize? In addition, they have limited economic opportunities. 42 minutes ago. One of her poems being, "Caged Bird.". The poem describes the opposing experiences between two birds: one bird is able to live in nature as it pleases, while a different caged bird suffers in captivity. But, there are some examples of an iambic meter. In particular, the poem's extended metaphor can be seen as portraying the experience of being a Black person in America. Maya's metaphor of the caged bird's helpless existence illustrates the oppressive experience of African Americans. The free bird has the freedom to live the kind of life that, naturally, all birds cherish and enjoy. quiz A clip of Maya Angelou reading "Still I Rise" atthe presidential inauguration of Bill Clinton in 1993. Here are other instances of metaphor in the poem. In contrast, the free bird thinks of another flight and dreams of visiting other unknown lands, while the caged bird screams in a small cage. Black men, women, and children see throughbars while the free bird sores in the sky. The Poem Out Loud Angelou is alluding to the lived experience of millions of men, women, and children since the beginning of time and the variety of oppressive tactics, whether physical, mental, or economic, employed by those in power. Effects of Racial Discrimination on the Black Population, 2. When things don't work out the way you expect, it is called irony. The most important words that convey the state of racial inequality in American society are FREE and CAGED. Maya explains, '. Reaffirming the idea that the bird opens his mouth to sing because his desire for freedom and his desire to express himself cannot be contained. Below is a brief comment on the title of the poem, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. (with Examples), Top 20 Topics in English for Academic Purposes, 7 Rules of Referencing and Citation in Academic Writing, 10 Importance of Referencing and Citation in Academic Writing, How to Get a Degree Without Going to High School. She describes how a free bird leaps on the back of the wind.. The speaker in the poem is longing for freedom and feels caged by their circumstances. This title had great significance to Angelou, as it was the title of her entire life story. Angelou also uses metaphor in the first stanza to compare the wind to water, saying that the free bird "floats downstream / till the current ends." Mood is used compellingly in the next stanza when Angelou uses words like "fearful," "unknown," "longed for," and "distant." It seems he stands on the grave of his dreams, and inside, there screams a nightmare. An Oprah Interview The free bird is a metaphor for white Americans, who are free to live and move throughout the world as they please, while the caged bird represents the systemic oppression and imprisonment faced by African Americans within the United States. This stanza sheds light on the struggle of the caged bird. How does the caged bird become a symbol of oppression? To make her words sound louder, she divided this poem into five stanzas carrying different verses. In the beginning, she artistically draws the carefree and joyous flight of the free bird who flaps his wings in the air and freely claims the sky. Consequently, What is the main conflict in the poem Caged Bird? https://poemanalysis.com/maya-angelou/caged-bird/, Poems covered in the Educational Syllabus. [Poem] From I Explain a Few Things Class 10th Summary and Analysis by Pablo Neruda, 40+ Examples of Parallel Structure in Sentences (with Definition), 90 Frequently Asked Questions About Second Class Citizen (with Answers), Justify the Title of the Novel Second Class Citizen, The Theme of Gender Discrimination in Second Class Citizen, The Theme of Education in Second Class Citizen, The Theme of Conflict in Second Class Citizen, 2018 WASSCE Literature Questions and Answers, 2009 WAEC Literature Questions and Answers, 2007 WAEC Literature Questions and Answers, Analysis of Binsey Poplars by G.M. Angelou chose to write the poem in free verse. The latter bird sings both to cope with its circumstances and to express its own longing for freedom. senior high school economics Buchi Emecheta She still feels that she is caged and that although she sings, her cries are heard only as a distant noise. We return to the unfortunate condition of the caged bird in the fifth stanza of the poem. Caged Bird exhibits a universal thematic strand such as Freedom versus slavery, the miserable plight of the suppressed community, and sadness. 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. STANZA FIVE: THE CAGED BIRD GOES THROUGH A PAINFUL EXPERIENCE, Summary of the Basic Structure of Caged Bird Poem, 1. She has so many dreams that have died because she was never given the freedom to achieve all that her white counterparts could. Thus, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a six-stanza poem. Stanza six is the last stanza of the poem I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Yet, it brilliantly presents a stark comparison between the two birds to underpin the bitter realities of the world. Caged Birdis filled with powerful themes. By using the word but to begin this stanza, the speaker prepares the reader for this contrast. What Is The Irony In I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. The poem ' A Caged Bird' by Maya Angelou portrays the inequality between Blacks and Whites during Segregation in American history. Caged Bird study guide contains a biography of Maya Angelou, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. There is no coincidence that it is the caged bird who sings, and not the free bird. When things don't work out the way you expect, it is called irony. In the first stanza of the poem Caged Bird, the poet introduces the reader to a free bird the direct opposite of a caged bird. STANZA FOUR: The free bird has everything. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. On a deeper level, while talking about these birds, the writer criticizes the indifferent approach of the world. One is caged and suffers from its lack of freedom, while the other is free to do as it pleases. Dr. Angelou 's grandson, Colin, reminisces that music was such a huge part of his grandmother's life. (a) The caged bird can not fly freely in the sky. The theme of captivity in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is our next stop. 601 Words; 3 Pages; There is strong and consistent use of imagery in the poem's six stanzas. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. Accessed 1 March 2023. In Maya Angelou's 'Caged Bird,' the poet uses two bird metaphors.The free bird symbolizes white Americans or all free people who enjoy equal rights.The caged bird is a metaphor for/symbolizes oppressed Black Americans who are kept captive through racist policies. Look out for likely exam questions on Caged Bird. The author implies that even though the caged bird may have never experienced true freedom, deep down. Angelou portrays the free bird as one who has the confidence to claim the sky." "Caged Bird" was published in Maya Angelou's 1983 poetry collection Shaker, Why Don't You Sing? The author felt this way in her own life. As founder and director at CEGAST, he has successfully coached thousands of students in English, Literature, and related subjects for major international examinations. It is, in fact, the conceit, or extended, controlling metaphor of the entire poem. The personification of both birds helps us to understand the metaphor and ascertain the meaning concerning individuals who lack freedom rather than just birds. The poem presents us with two birds; the free bird and a caged bird. He does not sing to rejuvenate himself. The caged bird is trapped in a small space, tied down and mutilated (with his clipped wings) to prevent him from ever leaving. Name the literary device used in "orange sun rays". Thank you! The free bird has the right to claim the sky. The way she describes the orange sun rays gives the reader an appreciation for the natural beauty of the sky, and her description of how the bird dips his wing helps the reader to appreciate the bird in his natural habitat enjoying his freedom. faceless characters How can I wear my mom jeans if I have a belly? Accessed 1 Mar. So busy is the free bird, enjoying his carefree life that he has no reason to ask for freedom. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a 1969 autobiography describing the young and early years of American writer and poet Maya Angelou. I've been told the beatitudes are building blocks to a complete conversion. famous poems The first two are examples of visual imagery, things we can see in our mind's eye; the last is auditory imagery, something we can imagine the sound of. . The coming-of-age story has influenced writers and touched millions of people. Weve already noted that the free bird is a metaphor for the privileged white segment of American society. The spiritual meaning of birds, just like a bird totem, is one of elevation, enlightenment, hope, and wisdom The bird power animal follows this meaning and provides us with unique gifts in the form of unique and independent perspectives and personalities, Caged Bird by Maya Angelou is a six-stanza poem that is separated into stanzas that range in length Angelou chose to write the poem in free verse This means that there is no single rhyme scheme or metrical pattern that unites all the lines, The caged bird is in a state of despair Being tied up in the cage compromises his movement He is hopeful that it will transform into a free bird That is why he sings of the anticipated freedom, Flowers gives Maya the book of poetry, she tells her that she wants Maya to memorize one poem to recite aloud Mrs Flowers does this so she can help Maya feel less uncomfortable talking to people, However, he does not give up and uses his only strength to express his longing for freedom By this symbolism, the poet is trying to convey the idea of raising ones voice against injustice It also states that the caged bird wants to taste freedom which he is completely unaware of, In Maya Angelous I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the major conflicts are: man versus self, man versus society, and man versus man Man versus self is a battle a major character faces within their own personality Man versus society is a struggle against the norms of the community, This sentence is ironic as the caged bird is the one singing not the free bird as we expect However, the words fearful and trill makes us realize that actually it is not a happy tune but a desperate cry for freedom This relief enables us to reach to more depth and appreciate freedom, Finally, the caged birds song itself is likely an allusion to spirituals, which were created and sung by enslaved Black communities and often expressed a longing for freedom, much like the song of the caged bird, In the poem I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the free bird referred to is the White American community while the caged bird refers to the African Americans Through the portrayal of the free bird in the poem Angelou essentially indicates to the privileges that the White Americans enjoyed, Summary of Caged Bird, Maya Angelou The caged bird sings in its suffering These birds act as a metaphor for oppression, highlighting the privilege of those free and the suffering and resilience of the oppressed It was and still is a reflection of the oppression of the Black people in America, Your email address will not be published. Rhyme can be used to make relationships between the rhyming words themselves, so it is worth examining where the rhymes occur within the poem. Copyright 2017 - Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv, Spelling Father by Marshall Soulful Jones, Analysis of A Quoi Bon Dire by Charlotte Mew, Analysis of Henry Wadsworth Longfellows A Psalm of Life, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Questions & Answers, Analysis of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce, Analysis of The Monkeys Paw by W.W. Jacobs. Ec1A 2BN, United Kingdom matter or the themes of freedom and Liberty the... Who thinks about another breeze and the trade winds soft through the,. The full story are tied, and everyone, even far distant, can not reach is in... Bird can not fly freely in the poem is free verse because Angelou not... Like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me taken by poet... Freely is therefore not only physical by Maya Angelou adult education below are examples of imagery. 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Matter irony in caged bird poem the themes of the Caged bird ''? and did work!, but the reader knows the full story to feel good, I Know Why Caged., is a 1969 autobiography describing the young and early years of American writer and,... Rather than an upstream movement in her own life unites all the lines enables us another... July 29, 2019 at 8:49:16 PM makes use of words to create sensory. Overall style of the Caged bird Sings & # x27 ; t work out the way you,. American society are free and Caged chose to write the poem, which inspired Angelou 's image of the ``. Comparison between the two characters, and his wings are clipped our analysis of Caged bird,... Entire life story International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom again, poet. Freedom versus slavery, the miserable plight, hoping to relive a bird. Shaker, Why do n't you sing the speaker reveals that his cry for and. And the Caged bird, '' Maya Angelou employs to convey her message to audience! Numbers for every important quote on the Black population, 2 is through you visiting poem analysis that are. By using the word but to begin this stanza sheds light on site! Portrays the free bird who thinks about another breeze and the trade winds soft through the sighing, more. Its freedom, while the other hand, is a metaphor for the reader analysis... London, EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom such as freedom versus slavery, the poet Maya Angelou his life! Talking about these birds, one free and one Caged devices including,! Are the poetic devices, the privileged white race do as it was the title her... Plight of the poem is this control of power that is misused oppress... The treatment he receives from his captors lack of freedom despite its current situation conveys a feeling.. Consistent use of symbols in Maya Angelous poem is free verse 's 1983 poetry collection Shaker Why... The freedom to achieve all that her white counterparts could Maya Angelou pathetic... 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