can someone please help me on the meaning and purpose of the followin poems..??

Question

Maya Angelou's

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
(too large to put on here.. here is a quick link if you need to read)
http://www.angelfire.com/il/HunnyBunnysPlace/birdsings.html

and

Still I Rise
(here is a link to this one)
http://poemhunter.com/poem/still-i-rise

PLEASE HELP ME!!

just help me understand them. explain them to me PLEASE!!
THANKS!!

Answer 1

Here are some simple opions: 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'

When people are oppressed they become angry, that anger is sometimes beautiful because it expresses the meaning of unjustification, and a need for change. The free bird never for once thinks that things couldn't or shouldn't go his way.

'Still I Rise' This poem was written when most whites thought they were superior because of the color of thier skin. They wanted blacks to feel shame. They were in scorn of them and I am sure it would gall them to see a black with his head held high. And also, even as of today...Some people just can't stand others to be happy or have something that they, themselves do not. Things like self-confidence and pride.

I hope these opinions help clarify things more clearly for you.

Answer 2

I think the "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" is a metaphor for things left undone by those who never realized that they should be done. The "free bird" floats through life with a light heart and chooses any path he feels. The "caged bird" longs for the freedom of the free bird and knows what he's missing and mourns that the free bird doesn't do more with his freedom than just float through life.

I would say that the poem "Still I Rise" talks about the very epitomy of high school girls. People may talk down about you and make up rumors and want to see you hurt, but this person keeps her head up and doesn't let it get to her. From what I can figure, she has money and people talk about her being a brat, but she's had it rough in her past someplace and has learned to stand strong.

Keep in mind, every poem is interpreted differently by each person who reads it. A poem at its best is often one that many can relate to. If in doubt, ask the person who wrote the poem what they were feeling at the moment of inspiration for the poem. Most of the time, they will share their thoughts. :)

Answer 3

Both poems deal with the triumph over adversity and the strength of the human spirit in adverse situations. In both poems the theme is that no matter what the hardships are, the bird in "Caged Bird" will continue to sing and the narrator in "Still I Rise" will continue to get up when she is pushed down.