In Born Behind Bars, cages symbolize both literal prisons and metaphorical “prisons” that some people still live in despite not actually being imprisoned. Kabir learns that cages are usually negative but sometimes for security. Luckily, most types of “cages” can be “unlocked.” Upon Kabir’s release from prison, he’s confused about why wealthy people intentionally put bars on their windows when they’re allowed to live free in the world. The reason that they don’t want other people breaking in is initially a foreign concept to Kabir because he’s used to the dangers being locked in prison with him. However, he learns that being locked in helps some, like the parrot Jay, feel secure. Kabir realizes that not all “cages” are necessarily negative, depending on who controls the locks. In Jay’s case, Rani is not a prison guard and will let him out of the cage whenever he wants or needs to go, so his cage is very different from the prison where Amma is. An involuntary, permanent cage is different from a voluntary, temporary one.

Despite being literally free from prison, Kabir still feels “caged” at times by fear. His grandparents tell him that his father used to say, “Fear is a lock, and courage is a key we hold in our hands” (227).