Maya Angelou wrote the poem, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”, in August of 1969. She is honored with her wonderful works. Despite having been a published author and poet for many years. “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” is believed as one of Maya Angelou’s greatest poems. Simply because it tells a grand story using language, rhyme scheme and wonderful lyrical devices. It is a story about a young girl that is used in a metaphor as a caged bird. A lonely bird that goes through many of triumphs and when all is against this bird it sings. It doesn’t just sing to sing. It sings for hope, freedom, faith, and equality. While this poem is well known and to some considered one of her best pieces of poetry, a question is raised as to why her poetic genius and structure has never been seen or even considered before this poem was even written? Either way “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou is seen as one of the most Legendary pieces of our time.
In order to comprehend what makes “I know why the caged bird sings” a phenomenal piece, one must look at what appeals individuals to it. At first read, it comes across as being an ethos based writing simply because at this point in her career, Ms. Angelou was just starting. She opened up her life story. But if you stop to take time and analyze this piece you will recognize that it is in fact a pathos based piece. The reason being is that the story is indeed about a woman’s struggle to deal with the loss of everything. This poem begins and ends with the young girl’s focus on the loss of the things she needs most, her freedom. It is only when the birds clipped wings and tied feet enters the distress and loss of this young woman.
“a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing
The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.”
Because of her fearfulness, the young girl is alone trying to reason the situation but realizing that all she wants is to be free like the free bird that soars in the evening breeze. Since the young girl deeply wants freedom just as the free bird does, the piece is clearly based off of pathos.
Not only does the story of the poem use pathos, but the poetic structure and foundation contribute to it as well. The lyrical devises she uses are influential and moving, allowing this poem to be viewed in the way of the “Caged bird.” The audience will indeed gain a better understanding behind the way she uses her language, and thus allowing a much stronger feeling of what the story truly means. Giving the audience a much deeper connection.
The poetic structure contributes to pathos because the story relies on rhyming; it gives the reader a chance to read the poem as more of a song, helping the reader to be more engaged into the poem. Thus giving the reader a much deeper connection.