Theme of the Poem I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
In the poem, Maya Angelou emphasises on the life of freedom and slavery. She compares and contrasts the plight of the caged bird to that of a free bird. She juxtapoes the environment and nature of the free bird to illuminate the harsh, depressing life of the caged bird. While the free bird is given the opportunity to fly and claim the sky, the caged bird’s feet are tied. It can almost never see through the bars. Its vision is limted. Unlike the caged bird, the free bird lives an independent, delightful existence. The caged bird can only open its throat to sing of things. Maya’s metaphor of the caged bird’s helpless existence illustrates the oppressive experience of African Americans.
The poem depicts Maya’s resilience and strength in the face of adversity. The fact that the caged bird sings of freedom despite its current situation conveys a feeling of hope that one day the caged bird will be released. This message coincides with the hope that one day African Americans will no longer suffer from discrimination and oppression in a prejudiced society.
Next, the theme of self-awareness is shown in the poem. The caged bird has a rage within itself. This rage is because the caged bird is missing out on a freedom that other birds and living creatures know. The bird is self-aware that it is living in an unnatural environment. In addition, self-awareness is conveyed by the fact that this bird makes a bold effort to sing.
Because its wings and feet are restricted, its only recourse to let anyone know of its desire to be free is to sing. The bird sings to let anyone know that it is straining for freedom. Self¬awareness here is shown by the fact that the bird longs for something that is unknown. It desires this unknown that is out there because it senses that the unknown is better than being caged.
Treasure Trove Poems and Short Stories Workbook Answers