Discuss how Maya Angelou presents the theme of freedom, or lack thereof, in her poem 'The Caged Bird'

Withing the first stanza, Angelou uses a range of dynamic verbs in reference to the free bird: 'leaps', 'dips', 'floats'. In doing do, Angelou characterises freedom as a liberty and lightness of movement. These dynamic verbs give voice to a simple privilege of freedom: being able to move without burden. This ability and lightness of movement is even more evident in light of the second stanza's introduction of the caged bird: 'But a bird that stalks/down his narrow cage'. Not only do we see the lack of freedom characterised by the lack of space (narrow cage), we also see that the lack of freedom also results in the bird moving contrary to its nature; 'down' instead of upwards. Thus, Angelou may be suggesting that in order for a creature, or a human being, to truly be itself, freedom is a necessity.
The stanzas alternating between the caged bird and the free bird, as well as the alternating rhymes present in some stanzas create a dizzying effect, which draws attention to the delicate nature of freedom. Just as easily as it can be acquired, it can so easily be taken away. Perhaps Angelou, in alerting the reader to the fragility of freedom, is advocating that we safeguard our freedom, and that of others.