Birds can be found in every genre of literature, whether that is horror, drama, or fantasy. However, these feathery friends of ours aren’t just here for the sake of having animals in a book. Birds and animals that take flight usually represent something important:
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is an autobiography published in 1969 by the poet Maya Angelou. The title of the book was inspired by Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem “Sympathy,” which used the symbol of a caged bird to reflect the struggles of marginalized social groups. Angelou’s story recounts her childhood experiences with racism and trauma in the South, an area plagued by segregation. By juxtaposing a caged and a free bird, Angelou emphasizes the difference in the way that traditionally oppressed social groups like Black Americans live in comparison to privileged populations.
The caged bird acts as a symbol of oppression and the racism and discrimination that Black Americans face. However, despite being confined, it continues to sing, representing the resilience of the Black American community and their fight for justice. Today, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” continues to illustrate the struggles of marginalized groups. Angelou’s work has catalyzed various social justice movements, inspiring these communities to share their own experiences and advocate for equality.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
Published in 1960, Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” illustrates what life was like in the South during the Great Depression. The novel is written through the perspective of Scout Finch, as her father Atticus defends a Black man, named Tom Robinson, who was falsely accused of assaulting a white woman. Through her perspective, readers learn the harsh reality of racism and justice, a Robinson battles a heavily biased legal system that is against him from the start, simply due to the color of his skin.
The mockingbird is used as a symbol of innocence, righteousness, and those who are unfairly treated by society. Atticus teaches his children that killing a mockingbird is morally wrong, as they do no harm, only bring music and beauty to the world. Atticus’s warning against killing mockingbirds reflects his defense of “mockingbirds” like Tom Robinson, who, like many vulnerable groups, suffers injustice solely for existing. The novel’s message about morality, having empathy for others, and fighting against injustices in society remains relevant and important to the present day, where many marginalized groups are constantly put at a disadvantage.