Final answer:
The 'caged bird' in Maya Angelou's autobiography symbolizes the author and the constraints of racism, representing a wider struggle for freedom and equality among African Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The caged bird in Maya Angelou's autobiography 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' symbolizes the author herself and the constraints of racism and oppression that limited her freedom during her childhood. The metaphor of a caged bird represents the lack of freedom and the struggle against the limitations placed by society. In a wider context, it also symbolizes the African American community's fight against racial discrimination and their enduring hope for freedom and equality.
In the story 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' by Maya Angelou, the caged bird represents African Americans who are oppressed and restricted by racism and societal barriers. The bird's cage symbolizes the limitations placed on African Americans during that time period. The caged bird's struggle for freedom and its singing symbolize the resilience and strength of African Americans in the face of adversity.