Themes | The Caged Bird

1.    Racial Discrimination in Society:

The major theme of the poem is racial discrimination in societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More. The poem focuses on racism. The words “cage” and “bars” as used in the poem symbolize segregation.

The poem clearly shows the segregation that exists between the free bird and the caged bird, as it is in American society where racism is prevalent. The caged bird represents the African Americans (Blacks) while the free bird represents the whites in America.

Using the imagery of the caged bird, the poet shows that racism against blacks affects them negatively. Like the caged birds, their “wings are clipped” while “their feet are tied”. This means that they are denied the right to use their potential as they ought to. They are oppressed and not given the same level of freedom and opportunity as the whites as a result of the colour of their skin. With their “wings clipped” and “their feet tied” they are unable to realize their dreams. These many unfulfilled dreams and aspirations have formed a “grave of dreams”. The good dreams and aspirations of the Blacks have usually ended up in “nightmare screams“ because of the limitedness of their lives as symbolized by the “narrow cage” of the caged bird.

2.    The Importance of Freedom and Equal Opportunity: