Poem Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Poem - Assignment Example This discrimination was the result of a policy of racial segregation existing throughout the nation. Racism was such an intimate aspect of a segregated society. Colored people and especially blacks were expected to act inferior towards the white people. The very fact of being considered an inferior person owing to the skin of one’s color was indeed painful and hurting. The only way left for the African Americans to claim an equal status was to raise their voice against injustice. Thereby, Maya Angelou in her poem Caged Bird is encouraging the African American people to raise their voice against racial discrimination. The amazing thing about this poem is that it happens to be an extended metaphor. The poet has not mentioned and specific race in the poem. It is but clear that what she is trying to convey is that the racial superiority claimed by the whites makes them act in a freer and liberated way. The African Americans are extremely restricted and harassed owing to the evil of racial discrimination. By referring to the free bird, the poet is trying to refer to the social advantages enjoyed by the white race owing to its self claimed superior status. It also conveys the heavy handedness and gross injustice of the white people. They have totally sidelined an entire people by subjecting them to racial discrimination and racial segregation. The white people are shown to be enjoying the fruits of social life. They do not allow the African Americans to have their share by subjecting them to gross racism. The speaker winds up the first stanza with the expression, â€Å"the free bird†¦ dares to c laim the sky (Angelou 1).† This depicts a racially segregated society in which the social and economic privileges are enjoyed solely by the white race. The discrimination against the black people is socially approved and adhered to by all. In the next stanza the poet tries to convey