Both texts have the basic theme that the want spiritual freedom while physically enslaved. Both texts treat this theme as a positive thing that it's ok to want physical freedom.The first text “The World’s Reward” The dog wants to be free this is show when the dog finds out that his master is going to get rid of him so he runs away.In the second text “ Caged Bird” the caged bird wants to be physically free very badly this is shown when the caged bird is singing about the free bird.
Both texts used symbolism to develop the theme that you can be Mentally free while physically embound. This