Question
Please answer the questions below based on the Information given in the text.
Caged Bird
By Maya Angelou
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
1. Who does the caged bird represent?
2. Who does the free bird represent?
3. What is the purpose of this poem? What is Dr. Angelou trying to communicate?
4. Select a passage from the poem that resonates with you and explain why.
Caged Bird
By Maya Angelou
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
1. Who does the caged bird represent?
2. Who does the free bird represent?
3. What is the purpose of this poem? What is Dr. Angelou trying to communicate?
4. Select a passage from the poem that resonates with you and explain why.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
1. **Who does the caged bird represent?**
The caged bird represents individuals or groups who experience oppression, confinement, and limitations on their freedom. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for marginalized communities, such as people of color or those suffering from social injustice.
2. **Who does the free bird represent?**
The free bird represents individuals or groups who enjoy freedom, opportunity, and the ability to pursue their dreams without constraints. This can symbolize those in society who have privilege and do not experience the same limitations as the caged bird.
3. **What is the purpose of this poem? What is Dr. Angelou trying to communicate?**
The purpose of the poem is to highlight the stark contrast between freedom and oppression. Dr. Angelou seeks to communicate the pain and longing of those who are oppressed (the caged bird), while also acknowledging the hope and desire for freedom that exists within them. The poem conveys a message about resilience, the power of hope, and the indomitable spirit of those who yearn for liberation.
4. **Select a passage from the poem that resonates with you and explain why.**
One poignant passage is:
"The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still."
This passage resonates because it captures the essence of yearning and desire for freedom and the unknown. The idea that the caged bird can still sing despite its confinement speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. It reflects how, even in difficult circumstances, there can be hope and a longing for a better future. The “fearful trill” suggests that while there is fear and pain, there is also beauty and strength in the act of singing—a metaphor for expressing oneself and holding on to hope.
The caged bird represents individuals or groups who experience oppression, confinement, and limitations on their freedom. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for marginalized communities, such as people of color or those suffering from social injustice.
2. **Who does the free bird represent?**
The free bird represents individuals or groups who enjoy freedom, opportunity, and the ability to pursue their dreams without constraints. This can symbolize those in society who have privilege and do not experience the same limitations as the caged bird.
3. **What is the purpose of this poem? What is Dr. Angelou trying to communicate?**
The purpose of the poem is to highlight the stark contrast between freedom and oppression. Dr. Angelou seeks to communicate the pain and longing of those who are oppressed (the caged bird), while also acknowledging the hope and desire for freedom that exists within them. The poem conveys a message about resilience, the power of hope, and the indomitable spirit of those who yearn for liberation.
4. **Select a passage from the poem that resonates with you and explain why.**
One poignant passage is:
"The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still."
This passage resonates because it captures the essence of yearning and desire for freedom and the unknown. The idea that the caged bird can still sing despite its confinement speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. It reflects how, even in difficult circumstances, there can be hope and a longing for a better future. The “fearful trill” suggests that while there is fear and pain, there is also beauty and strength in the act of singing—a metaphor for expressing oneself and holding on to hope.