From 1877 to 1965, the abominable Jim Crow Laws enforced regulations that endorsed segregation and white privilege. In the poems, “Sympathy” by Paul Laurence Dunbar and “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou, both poets use similar central images to personify the struggle of Black People during the Civil Rights Movements. To do this, both poets juxtapose a free bird and caged bird to accordingly match their literal counterpart. Though both poems are able to passionately express the limitations of Black People through their central images, after examining the bird’s song, actions, and origin, “Sympathy” is able to convey itself in a more meaningful manner. First, by analyzing the nature of the birds song, several imperative qualities are revealed.…show more content… As a result, readers are inspired by his motivation and belief for a better future. On the contrary, the caged bird sings a heartfelt song but does not follow through with proper direction“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!(18-22 Dunbar). Unlike the caged bird, the bird in “Sympathy” is desperate to be released from his prison; he longs to cherish the bright sun and enjoy all of the amenities of the free. This is affirmed by his attempt in reaching a higher power; he feels as if only a miracle could help him at this point. Thus, he flings prayers towards the heavens since he cannot resort to anything else, but by flinging his song, he aimless hopes that by chance it will reach a higher presence just as he hopes things will settle for him and he will magically become free. He realizes that his actions have been in vain and he seeks a higher power to bestow him with freedom. This cry for freedom is manifestation of the misery he has been subject to endure without question. In comparison to the caged bird, this bird has lost his faith in himself and understands that is it…show more content… The way we approach conflict differs from person to person. Thus, we are able to draw conclusions about the birds nature through their actions. In “Caged Bird”, the bird sings to rebel against his current situation. “His wings are clipped/ and his feet are tied/ so he opens his throat to sing”(12-14 Angelou). By examining the birds actions, it becomes evident that the bird is determined to become free as he neglects all of his additional restraints for a bright foreseeable future and sings. Consequently, it becomes clear that the poet intended to put emphasis on the power that his voice as the caged bird does not surrender and give into his misery. The caged bird's course of action is similar to how MLK tackled oppression during the Civil Rights Movements, In addition, the meaning behind his actions are reinforced once realizing that his wings are clipped, meaning that even if he were freed, he would be unable to fly and is limited to the ground, thus reinforcing his misfortune as they steal his freedom, then dare to strip his ability to rein the sky. Additionally. if the animal inside the cage had been any different for either poem, the value behind the text would not be as strong as birds are able to claim two different words: land and sky. Humans are naturally bound to the land but have conquered sky, water, and space. Thus, when thinking of
