Caged Birds
Before and during the Civil War, it felt as though the Confederates were holding onto tradition and the old way of life instead of looking to better it by change. This illustration depicts two birds: one tied to the bottom of the cage holding a key in its talons and the other flapping its wings in eagerness for freedom. The one holding the key represents the Confederates; the people that wanted to stay tied down and live on without changing or losing their way of life they had been used to for so many years. The one looking for freedom represents the Union, seeking to convince the other bird to use the key and set themselves free. The bird feels as though the only way to true freedom is to convince the other that this cage is not truly their home.