Question

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.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
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.
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
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
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.

Write a minimum 150-word response in which you explain the theme of freedom in "Caged Bird."

Be sure to cite
examples from the text in your response.
MAYA ANGELOU CAGED BIRD POEM PLEASE HELP

Answer 1

The poem "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou explores the theme of freedom and its absence. Through the metaphor of a caged bird, Angelou conveys the idea that freedom is a basic human right that should be accessible to all, but in reality, many people are denied this right. The free bird represents the idea of freedom, while the caged bird symbolizes oppression, specifically the oppression of African Americans during the time in which Angelou wrote this poem.

The free bird is able to "claim the sky" and "name the sky his own," suggesting a sense of ownership and control over his surroundings. In contrast, the caged bird is confined to a narrow space, and his wings are clipped and feet are tied, preventing him from flying and exploring the world around him. Despite this, the caged bird "sings of freedom," demonstrating that the desire for freedom is inherent and cannot be extinguished, even in the most oppressive of circumstances.

The poem also highlights the contrast between the free bird's carefree existence and the caged bird's fearful trill. The caged bird's song is described as a "fearful trill" that expresses the longing for freedom and the pain of being unable to attain it. His "tune" is heard "on the distant hill," indicating that the desire for freedom is widespread and not confined to a single individual.

In conclusion, "Caged Bird" is a powerful poem that explores the theme of freedom and the oppressive forces that can prevent people from attaining it. Angelou's use of the metaphor of a caged bird to represent the oppression of African Americans is a poignant reminder of the struggle for civil rights and the importance of fighting for freedom and equality.