Caged Bird

1. Considering the theme of Freedom and Imprisonment, in what ways is the experience of the caged bird similar to the Black experience in America? The poem alludes to the slave trade with the phrase “trade winds,” yet Angelou publishes the poem in 1983. What is she saying about the nature of oppression? Cite textual evidence in your response.

2. Considering the theme of Freedom and Imprisonment, in what ways does the free bird symbolize white America? At what cost does the free bird name the sky his own? Why does the bird believe it is entitled to do so? Who loses access to the sky if the sky belongs to the free bird? In what ways does the free bird have Complicity in the imprisonment of the caged bird? Cite textual evidence in your response.

3. Consider the theme The Power of Voice. Giving voice to a story or experience is often equated with empowerment. Despite its circumstances, why does the caged bird sing? Cite textual evidence in your response.