Introduction
The two poems “The Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by the same author share a common theme of hope and freedom. With a set of different poetic devices, the two poems can be seen to represent the struggles and triumphs of life through the lens of a captive bird. Through the uses of imagery, symbols, and metaphors, both works offer meaningful insight into themes of hope and freedom.
Imagery of Trapped Birds
In the poem “The Caged Bird,” Angelou makes use of imagery to communicate the feelings of oppression and limitation felt by the bird. The bird is described as being “trapped in corners of its own device” and its “wings are clipped and its feet are tied”. The use of this imagery helps to create sympathy from the reader towards the bird as being helpless and being trapped in its own reality. In “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” the imagery of a caged bird is still in present in the shaping of the poem as it is constructed of twenty-nine lines that mirror the size of a birdcage. This use of imagery helps to further accentuate the oppressive feelings associated with the situation of the bird. Through Angelou’s use of imagery in both poems, she is able to convey a vivid and lasting impression of the bird being trapped in a reality where hope and freedom are impossible.
Symbols & Metaphors of Flight
The two poems also feature symbols and metaphors of flight. In “The Caged Bird,” the bird is described as “a scared but defiant and strong heart… [beating] against the wall, a wall made of ignorance.” This metaphor of the bird’s heart beating against a wall symbolizes its attempts to break free from the boundaries of its captivity. It is an act of hope and defiance against the forces of adversity. In “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, the bird is said to “sing for the love of living, it [shouts] of freedom”. This metaphor of flight and freedom is further reflective of the bird’s hope of breaking free from the confines of its cage. Through these symbols and metaphors of flight, Angelou is able to communicate the desire for freedom held by the bird and paint a picture of hope in an otherwise oppressive situation.
Conclusion
Maya Angelou’s “The Caged Bird” and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” both make use of imagery, symbols, and metaphors to convey the themes of hope and freedom. Through her vivid depictions of a caged bird and her thoughtful use of poetic devices, Angelou is able to effectively communicate the struggles and triumphs of life. It is this sense of hope that shines through the lines of her poetry and resonates with readers, allowing them to see in the caged bird a representation of their own experiences and joys.
