preview

Comparing Poems 'Caged Bird And' I, Too

Decent Essays
Open Document

In both poems, “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou and “I, Too” by Langston Hughes, the theme of race limiting one’s freedoms is displayed. However, the themes are treated very differently by each author. “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou explains how it feels to see others enjoying freedoms that you cannot. It compares an enraged bird trapped in a cage to another bird soaring through the countryside freely, enjoying the luxuries of freedom. “I, Too” the poem by Langston Hughes tells how he feels that he, also, is American and deserves the same rights as any other man, no matter his skin color. Not only are the themes presented in a touching way, but imagery is also used throughout both poems very adequately.

Imagery is an important part in each of the …show more content…

In “Caged Bird” Maya Angelou writes, “A free bird leaps on the back of the wind and floats downstream...and he names the sky his own.” This shows how the author feels that the free persons are claiming the world their own, while the restrained race watches and can do nothing due to their ‘cage.’ Another example is when Angelou writes, “But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams, his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream” which demonstrates how she feels that without the freedoms others enjoy she is not able to pursue her dreams and goals but instead is ignored. And lastly, in “Caged Bird” the writer says “For the caged bird sings of freedom,” which explains how badly these people want their freedom. It shows that they long for the same rights others don’t appreciate enough. Next from “I, Too” Langston Hughes states, “They send me to eat in the kitchen when company comes but I laugh, and eat well and grow strong.” This shows how the themes are treated diversely. Langston describes how he is going to overcome and rise up and gain his freedoms while Maya describes her longing for these rights. Hughes also writes, “I, too, am America.” and “I too, sing America.” which explain how he feels that he is apart of the country and no different than any other man. He believes that he deserves the same rights, just as any other American

Get Access