Analysis 1
Caged Bird
Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
ABOUT THE POET
● African- American
● poet
● author
● dancer
● singer
● film producer
● activist
● feminist
CHARACTERISTICS
● It has a musical quality to it which reinforces the central image of the poem which is
singing.
● The extensive use of enjambment, repeated words, phrases and the refrain contribute to
this quality.
INTRODUCTION
● Compares the experiences of a free bird and a caged bird.
● Metaphorically the birds represent those who are imprisoned or oppressed (caged bird)
and those who enjoy privilege (free bird).
TITLE
● Caged-indicates restrictions.
● Bird - a creature that has wings and is meant to fly.
● The fact that it can fly indicates freedom.
● Caged -is thus a contradiction with what is meant for this creature (bird).
● Deeper meaning - an image of restriction is created.
TONE
, ● The tone is set by the observer who knows why "the caged bird sings."
● It's contemplative but also switches from a negative to positive tone when describing the
different birds.
SUMMARY
● The poem contrasts the caged bird with the free bird and their different characteristics,
emphasising the caged bird.
● The bird represents people in the actual world. The caged bird represents people who
are restricted/oppressed/discriminated against.
● The free bird represents people who oppress. The bars of the cage represent the things
that keep people from doing what they wish.
● The poem also speaks about the HOPE people have.
● The speaker wants people to see and hear the difference between the free birds and the
caged bird.
STANZA 1
● Diction (word choice)
○ “Leaps”
○ “Floats”
○ “Dips”
○ “Claim”
○ movement- freedom connotations-the bird can fly unrestricted - emphasises
freedom
● Tone
○ relaxed
○ playful
○ positive
● Repetition
○ Positive Listings
● Metaphor
○ ownership/possession/ power free bird has like the white people of America until
the 1970's
● Personification
Caged Bird
Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
ABOUT THE POET
● African- American
● poet
● author
● dancer
● singer
● film producer
● activist
● feminist
CHARACTERISTICS
● It has a musical quality to it which reinforces the central image of the poem which is
singing.
● The extensive use of enjambment, repeated words, phrases and the refrain contribute to
this quality.
INTRODUCTION
● Compares the experiences of a free bird and a caged bird.
● Metaphorically the birds represent those who are imprisoned or oppressed (caged bird)
and those who enjoy privilege (free bird).
TITLE
● Caged-indicates restrictions.
● Bird - a creature that has wings and is meant to fly.
● The fact that it can fly indicates freedom.
● Caged -is thus a contradiction with what is meant for this creature (bird).
● Deeper meaning - an image of restriction is created.
TONE
, ● The tone is set by the observer who knows why "the caged bird sings."
● It's contemplative but also switches from a negative to positive tone when describing the
different birds.
SUMMARY
● The poem contrasts the caged bird with the free bird and their different characteristics,
emphasising the caged bird.
● The bird represents people in the actual world. The caged bird represents people who
are restricted/oppressed/discriminated against.
● The free bird represents people who oppress. The bars of the cage represent the things
that keep people from doing what they wish.
● The poem also speaks about the HOPE people have.
● The speaker wants people to see and hear the difference between the free birds and the
caged bird.
STANZA 1
● Diction (word choice)
○ “Leaps”
○ “Floats”
○ “Dips”
○ “Claim”
○ movement- freedom connotations-the bird can fly unrestricted - emphasises
freedom
● Tone
○ relaxed
○ playful
○ positive
● Repetition
○ Positive Listings
● Metaphor
○ ownership/possession/ power free bird has like the white people of America until
the 1970's
● Personification
