"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," written by Maya Angelou, depicts the feelings of African Americans in a white society. Some blacks feel as if they have been caged by white society and have no chance of making it in this society. Maya Angelou could have let these feelings of being considered inferior rule her life. Instead, she had to strive harder to become the amazing black woman she is today.
             Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1928. She is an African American author, poet, and entertainer best known for her portrayals of a strong African American woman. She was raised by her grandmother in rural segregated Arkansas. Because she was a black woman raised in the South, she witnessed racial prejudice and inequalities one can only imagine today. This discrimination prompted her to be an avid civil rights activist. Many of her writings stress themes of courage, perseverance, self-acceptance, and the realization of one's full potential. These themes regard obstacles that she overcame in her own life, and she hopes they will enhance the lives of her readers (A Song).
             "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," speaks of a free bird leaping on the back of the wind and floating downstream to the current's end, dipping his wings in the sun's rays, daring to claim the sky his own. But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see through his bars of rage because his wings are clipped and his feet tied. The bird sings of things unknown, but he longs for his song of freedom to be heard. The free bird thinks of another breeze and names the sky his own. The caged bird stands on a grave of dreams, and his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream.
             Maya Angelou believes that blacks are caged in American society. "Why the Caged Bird Sings," describes how blacks feel caged in by bars of rage due to the racial discrimination they face. Some blacks feel that no matter how hard they try, they cannot be treated fairly in our societ...