Free Bird

The poem opens with the image of the free bird who "leaps / on the back of the wind / and floats downstream" (1-3). The free bird is one that can explore the natural landscape without inhibition and can enjoy the world around it while taking risks and voyaging into unknown territory. The most notable attribute of the free bird is that is granted agency to stake its claim on the earth, as it "dares to claim the sky" (7) and "names the sky his own" (25). The poem therefore classifies the free bird as a character that can move freely through the world and even grow to possess certain parts of its surroundings.

Caged Bird

The caged bird is presented in stark contrast to the free bird. The caged bird is one who "stalks / down his narrow cage" (8-9) while in captivity. He finds no joy in his surroundings like...