Paul Laurence Dunbar and Maya Angelou’s poems both illustrate the experience of people who are oppressed by intolerance, prejudice, and unfair laws through the central image of the caged bird. Maya Angelou’s poem “Caged Bird” reflects isolation and helplessness through the image of the caged bird. Angelou Explains to us how the caged bird feels. “On the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom”(34 - 37). Angelou expresses the restraint and subjugation of african americans through the caged bird. The narrator deepens our connection with the caged bird and explains to us how he feels.”His wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing”(12-14). Angelou shows us how the bird expresses the pain the caged bird
