Knowing Maya Angelou's story, I do believe it is influenced by the segregation period that has taken place not so long ago in the United States. It seems as if the story talks about a fixed type of instance; when someone is ill-treated, it almost seems taboo for them to not feel and look utterly and overwhelmingly crushed. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings* tackles the story of a bird with all freedom taken from them, yet still chooses to sing a melody that, to them, is for freedom - and just by defying that unspoken rule, that symbolizes their longing and fight for freedom in all of its glory.