Using two pieces of evidence from the poem "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelo, explain how the author proves that the caged bird is unhappy being trapped in a cage. *

The poem "caged Bird" by Maya Angelou is a perfect portrayal of the black people's struggle against their racial discrimination by the whites who keep them imprisoned or enslaved in their power. This poem shows just how the black people feel of their condition and how they too feel to be emancipated from their 'cages'.

Explanation:

Maya Angelou's "Caged Bird" is a poem of suffering, restriction and a longing for freedom. It is based off the condition of the blacks being denied their own rights and freedom in the 'land of the free'. Angelou uses the poem to reveal how her people feel deep inside, even though they may not show how they really feel or even dare to do so.

Using the image of a caged bird representing the blacks, she states how "a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams". They are unable to enjoy like the free bird (white people) who fly freely in the wind, feasting on "fat worms" while claiming "the sky his own". On the contrary, a "caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown" unsure of what will be his fate and "his wings (are) clipped and his feet (are) tied". These show that the caged bird is unhappy in his own existence, his position and condition of life where he is a mere prisoner in a cage.