The figurative language the author Maya Angelou uses to express her point is Alliteration, Metaphors, Personification and symbolism. Alliteration is a literary device, what alliteration means is that “a series of words begin with the same consonant sound.” as stated by the online site Literary Devices. The poem is filled with alliteration, some examples is seen in the repetition of /s/ sound in “seldom see through” and then /w/ sound in “worms waiting” and then again /sh/ sound in “shadows shouts.” Then, comes the metaphor, there are two metaphors that are presented. The free bird represents American white citizens while the caged bird represents African Americans and their imprisonment of “social norms”. Maya used various symbols to show “racial discrimination and social construction against her community. The caged bird is a symbol of imprisonment, while his song is a symbol of freedom.” as stated by the online site Literacy Devices.
