What image does Paul Laurence Dunbar use in Sympathy to show a lack of freedom?

In his poem "Sympathy," Paul Laurence Dunbar uses the image of a caged bird to symbolize a lack of freedom. The bird's struggle and longing to escape its confinement reflect the pain and oppression experienced by those who are denied liberty. The repeated refrain of the bird's desire to sing highlights the deep yearning for freedom and the emotional toll of captivity. This powerful imagery underscores the broader themes of racial and social injustice in Dunbar's work.