LikhoPadho

I know Why the Caged Bird Sing

In this poem 'I know Why the Caged Bird Sings', the poet Maya Angelou (1928-2014) has beautifully explained the theme of Freedom versus enslavement, the theme of racism and slavery and the theme of voice against oppression.

The summary:

1. A free bird flies in the direction of the current.
2. It seems to be dipping his wings in the orange sun rays.
3. The free bird is confident enough to claim the sky.
4. A caged bird constantly tries to look through his cage but he seldom sees through
5. The caged bird's movement is restricted as his wings areclipped and his feet are tied.
6. The caged bird opens his throat to sing of things unknown.
7. The caged bird longs for freedom
8. The caged bird's song is heard in some farway place.
9. The free bird thinks of other places having pleasant winds and fat worms.
10. The free bird is not content and is greedy to have more freedom.
11. The cage becomes the caged bird's 'grave of dreams' and his cry for freedom is like that of a nightmare.
12. But the caged bird's movement is limited.
13. The caged bird cannot fly and hence again sings a song yearning for freedom.