Justin Riches

Mrs. Balka

English 9 Pre-AP

September 18, 2017

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”

In the poem, “I Know Why the Caged Bird sings,” Angelou’s use of juxtaposition reveals the

theme that the caged bird is singing for freedom that it doesn’t have. Angelou expresses this theme when

she depicts the free bird floats in the sky and the caged bird is tied down. The author establishes a vivid

picture of how free life can truly be, whereas the caged bird can only sing about what it would be like to

have that life. The expression of clipped devastates the reader’s hope for the caged bird of soaring in the

sky like the free bird. The free bird can claim the earth as its own, whereas the caged bird can only

dream. For the free bird, there is a peaceful feeling of abundance and that there will always be enough.

However, when referring to the caged bird’s view the tone immediately changes to a feeling of doom and

unattainable dreams. Even though the caged bird is restrained and has little hope, it still sings for its

freedom.