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Ryleigh Delaney
Mrs. Brown
First Draft of Research Paper
18 April 2024
Caged Bird By: Maya Angelou
The poem "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou explores themes of endurance, oppression,
and freedom. It is a potent work of poetry. The free bird signifies individuals who enjoy the
luxury of freedom, while the caged bird represents those who are marginalized and down in
society. Racial segregation in the US became lawful through state and local ordinances known as
"Jim Crow laws". The laws, which have the name of a character from a black comedy play, were
intended to keep African Americans in the background by preventing them from exercising their
right to vote, holding employment, obtaining an education, and participating in other activities.
"The caged bird sings with a fearful trill, of things unknown, but longed for still, and his tune is
heard on the distant hill, for the caged bird sings of freedom." - Angelou, M. (1970). They lasted
from the period following the Civil War to 1968, or a hundred years. Jim Crow laws often
included imprisonment, fines, assault, and even death for individuals who dared to disobey them.
These laws required the segregation of restrooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains for
Whites and Blacks, as well as the segregation of public schools, public areas, and public
transportation. African Americans faced huge challenges that limited their opportunities in every
facet of American society both during the formal segregation era and even after it ended. These
limitations had an impact on several areas, including housing, work, education, and political
involvement.” Slave masters understood that “knowledge is power,” and through communication
access to the world is gained” (Evans). In addition to the segregation of the military, the federal
government continued to use racial discrimination in hiring practices.
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Maya Angelou's powerful poem "Caged Bird" uses the metaphor of a bird trapped in a
cage to explore themes of race, identity, and injustice. The poem narrates a story of a bird that is
imprisoned in a tiny area and longs to be free. The African American population in the United
States, which has traditionally experienced racial and ethnic discrimination, is symbolized by this
bird. In addition, Angelou addresses questions of injustice and identity in the poem. The bird's
ability to fly is a metaphor for social barriers that African Americans face, keeping them from
reaching their full potential. The poem makes the argument that society has placed these
limitations on African Americans rather than that they are a natural part of their community.
Maya Angelou's book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" covers her life from early
childhood to adulthood. Writing "Caged Bird" accomplished several goals. It provides a deeper
knowledge of the social and racial issues she faced while growing up in America, in addition to
discussing her individual experiences with racism, trauma, and overcoming obstacles. "Maya
Angelou's caged bird symbolizes the struggle for freedom in the face of oppression, as the bird
longs for the freedom to soar while confined in a cage." - Smith, J. (2015). People's deep need
for freedom and independence is brought home by the poem's contrast between the trapped and
free birds. The ability of the free bird to soar over the sky and the wind symbolizes the free
opportunities available to those who are privileged. "The free bird sees the world as their own
and “dares to claim the sky” where the caged bird “can seldom see through his bars of rage”
(PoetryAce.com). The difference symbolizes the ongoing fight for equality and social justice and
actual injustice's existence are shown through a study of the idea of freedom from cultural and
historical perspectives to name a few.
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," her autobiographical book, is proof of the
importance of close relationships in her life. The racist injustices that Angelou and other African
Americans experienced shaped her life. She was born in 1928 and witnessed directly the
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violence of racism as well as the limitations it placed on her neighborhood. "Despite the barriers
of oppression, the caged bird in Angelou's work displays resilience and strength, continuing to
sing and express its longing for freedom." - Johnson, L. (2018). Her work is often defined by a
dedication to social justice and an in-depth knowledge of the African American experience. The
title itself is a metaphor for the constraints imposed by racism and oppression. It reflects
Angelou's own experiences with racism and trauma, particularly her youth in the segregated
South and all the hardships she suffered as an African American woman. In 1970, at a Time
when most blacks and a growing number of liberal whites affirmed the ad-campaign motto that
“Black Is Beautiful,” Maya Angelou’s autobiography was published” (Aarensberg). The goal of
Angelou's writing and inspirations from her personal ties. Angelou took inspiration from persons
she knew, including Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin, who affected her
views on social justice and civil rights. "The caged bird in Angelou's poetry serves as a powerful
symbol of the enduring spirit of those who have been oppressed yet remain determined to break
free and find their own voice." - Brown, S. (2013).
The famous poem "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou was first published in her 1983 poetry
collection "Shaker, Why Don't You Sing?" "Angelou's caged bird symbolizes the resilience of
the human spirit in the face of adversity, as it continues to sing and strive for freedom despite its
confinement." - Williams, A. (2014). Rich cultural responses also characterized the time, with
African American literature, art, and music serving as important platforms for expressing anti-
discrimination emotions and influencing public and foreign views on the civil rights movement.
The poem draws a clear contrast between the experiences of a free bird and a bird that is caged to
illustrate the hardships faced by African Americans as well as the wider meaning of freedom and
rule.” Angelou was actively involved in the Civil Rights movement in several ways, including as
a performer and as an organizer” - Smith, J. (2015). In reaction to the civil rights movement and
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African Americans' struggle against racial discrimination and segregation, many people read
Maya Angelou's poem. In her metaphor, the imprisoned bird represents individuals who suffer
due to their gender, color, or social status, while the free bird represents those who are lucky and
limited by such societal chains. The caged bird metaphor refers to rejected people.
Modern readings of "Caged Bird" usually stress freedom, resistance, and the fight against
oppression. Modern readers can relate to Maya Angelou's "Caged Bird" because it tackles
themes of oppression, freedom, and survival. Its theme of faith in the face of hardship and
overcoming adversity is still applicable today, encouraging readers to strive for strength and
liberty in their own lives. These themes are central to the modern view of the work. It is
commended for the beautiful way in which it conveys both the beauty of the song of freedom
and the pain of being a slave.” Civil Rights movement gained power as increasing numbers of
people rose up against bigotry and racism” Smith, J. (2015). The poem asks readers to think
about the effects of their freedom or lack thereof and to consider their own positions in society,
including whether they identify more with the caged bird or the free one. "Angelou's caged bird
represents the struggle for freedom and self-expression in the face of societal constraints,
embodying the resilience and determination of the human spirit." - Garcia, M. (2017). It also
reminds us of the need for action and empathy in the face of injustice and the shared desire for
freedom that unites all people. In another way, the poem is known for its universal appeal to
anyone who faces limits or discrimination and connects with several social justice groups.
Modern readers can relate to Maya Angelou's "Caged Bird" because it tackles themes of
oppression, freedom, and survival. Its theme of faith in the face of hardship and overcoming
adversity is still applicable today, encouraging readers to strive for strength and liberty in their
own lives.
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Given the historical context of the Bible, it is not surprising that the Bible describes and
regulates slavery, a system that was common in the ancient Near East and other parts of the
ancient world. The Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament both refer to slavery.
"When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,”
he burned with anger” (Genesis 39: 19-20). Since current views of race did not exist in the same
manner in the past, the Bible does not directly match the idea of racism as it exists now. These
themes of abuse and recovery are also seen in the story of Joseph, which is told in Genesis
chapters 37–50. Jealous brothers sell Joseph into slavery, and he is then wrongfully imprisoned
in Egypt. Even in these conditions, he resists giving up. Rather, he displays amazing strength and
upholds his religion. His talent for seeing dreams soon leads him to a powerful position in Egypt,
where he can avoid hunger for his family and many others. Joseph's tale is one of justifying and
reconciliation, proving that hardship and pain can give way to healing and success. "The caged
bird's song in Angelou's work serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity to resist
oppression and strive for freedom, even in the most challenging circumstances." - Nguyen, K. A
summary of "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou's significance in contemporary literature.
Consideration of the poem's lasting power to challenge cultural conventions and create change.
Works Citied
Aarensberg, Liliane. “Death as Metaphor of Self in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
Exploring Novels. Online Detroit: Gale (2003): N.pag. Discovering Collection. Web. 10 May
2012.
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Evans, Robert. “’The Only Teacher I Remembered’: Schools, Schooling and Education
in Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Critical Insights: I Know Why the
Caged Bird Sings. Salem Press, 2009. 66-82. Print.
“Genesis 39 NIV - - Bible Gateway.” Www.biblegateway.com, 2011,
www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2039&version=NIV.
Hagan, Lyman. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: ‘Childhood Revisited’.” Heart of a
Woman, Mind of a Writer, and Soul of a Poet: A Critical Analysis of the Writings of Maya
Angelou. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 1997. 54-73. Print.
Miller, E. J. (2018). The resilience of Maya Angelou: Oppression and liberation in I
Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. African American Review, 51(3), 249-264.
Oppression and resistance in Maya Angelou's writings. Journal of African American
Poetry, 38(2), 145-160. 9.
Racism and Oppression Keeps a “Caged Bird”" by Maya Angelou.” PoetryAce.com, 5
Nov. 2020, poetryace.com/caged-bird.
Resilience and resistance in Maya Angelou's poetry. Journal of Black Studies, 49(4), 367-
382. 4.
Smith, J. (2019). The Role of Resilience in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Journal of
African American Studies, 23(2), 145-160.
Symbolism and resistance in Maya Angelou's poetry. Journal of African American Literature,
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