Maya Angelou.docx - Maya Angelou Caged Bird It has meaning...

Maya Angelou Caged Bird
It has meaning in every society where racism and discrimination exists. The bird in this poem is
an African American woman, the bird sings is the voice of the woman. She sings like other
African American women like Aretha Franklin who felt trapped in a cage.
The first verse describes the' bird's freedom in its natural habitat. The wind blowing at it and the
wind' singing' expresses freedom. Maya uses some sound effects to demonstrate in the wind this
symphony of equality.
The next verse expresses a comparison between being caged and free.
The final verse talks of liberty. The bird set free and in flight is a much more beautiful bird than
one caged in bars of metal (racism and hatred) and unable to fully express itself. Maya is using
‘he’ as the medium for voicing this agony. Yet in every verse, it incorporates many feminine and
human qualities.
Anytime you feel trapped in an uncomfortable situation, read this poem and you will then know
what it feels like to be discriminated, ridiculed, or even hated. Let this poem become your own
voice.