Why Does the Caged Bird Sing?

Question

Maya Angelou wrote a book called "I know why the caged bird sings." I was wondering what the book was about, and, why DOES the cage bird sing?

Thanks!

Answer 1

The caged bird sings- because it knows that REAL Freedom- is all in the mind... Read the book; it's WORTH the time. :)

Answer 2

I'd say it's a combination of answerers 2 and 3 (and now 4). It is an autobiography: she does face racism, sexism and she's sexually abused as a child. Through it all, rather than curling up, Maya moved forward - she's a very strong and determined individual and has faced much adversity throughout her life. I once had the opportunity to hear her speak - her voice and prose are amazing. It's a wonderful book. I have a copy for sale now on-line - might need to look at it again since you brought this up.

You can see now how the title symbolizes Maya Angelou. Growing up, she wasn't able to change much going on around her (caged), but she never gave in and continued to grow - she sang. And I know I'm glad she did.

The link has over 200 reviews if you want to check any of them out.

Answer 3

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a 1969 autobiographical novel about the early years of Maya Angelou's life. She writes about loneliness, sexual abuse and how she dealt with prejudices of society.

The title alludes to a poem by Paul Lawrence Dunbar entitled Sympathy: "I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,
When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,
When he beats his bars and would be free;
It is not a carol of joy or glee,
But a prayer that he sends from his heart's deep core,
But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings -
I know why the caged bird sings.

Answer 4

It is a great story. I read it in college. This book is an autobiography. She talks about her childhood as a black girl. She felt caged because she was denied rights/privelages because of her color. But, she still found the positives in her predicament and learned some very valuable life's lessons about people and the world around her.

Answer 5

Hello, Heron, long time, no see :-))

As I recall the book is about a young girl who is abused. Physically and sexually abused.

I believe the caged bird sings to sustain itself, to relieve it's grief, and to add the only beauty it can to its captive life.