Please answer the questions below based on the Information given in the text.

Question

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.

Harlem

By Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

7. How are both poems similar and how are they different?

8. Based on these two poems and the authors that wrote about them what do you think "A Raisin in the Sun" will be about?

Answer 1

7. Similarities and Differences:

Similarities:

• Both poems explore themes of aspiration and the struggle for freedom. In "Caged Bird," the contrast between the free bird and the caged bird symbolizes the longing for freedom and the reality of confinement. Similarly, Hughes's "Harlem" contemplates the consequences of unfulfilled dreams, suggesting a connection between dreams and freedom.
• Both poems use vivid imagery to convey their messages. Angelou’s use of the imagery of the caged bird contrasts with the free bird, while Hughes uses metaphors related to decay and heaviness to express the potential fate of deferred dreams.

Differences:

• "Caged Bird" presents a more optimistic perspective regarding the act of singing as a means of expressing longing for freedom, despite the ultimate constraints on the caged bird. In contrast, "Harlem" explores a more pessimistic view of deferred dreams, posing questions about their negative outcomes such as decay and explosion, suggesting that unfulfilled dreams can lead to destructive consequences.
• Angelou's poem focuses on the emotional experience of the caged bird and emphasizes the act of singing as a response to oppression, while Hughes’s poem reflects on the broader societal implications of dreams that are unactualized and the existential weight they carry.

8. Interpretation of "A Raisin in the Sun":

Based on the two poems and the authors' themes, "A Raisin in the Sun" is likely to explore the struggles and aspirations of individuals or families facing hardship and oppression. It may delve into the impact of deferred dreams, much like Hughes's poem, examining how these unfulfilled aspirations affect their lives and choices. The concept of a dream "drying up" or "exploding" suggests tensions that arise from unmet desires, which could be reflected in the characters' conflicts and their pursuit of a better life. In connection with Angelou's poem, it may also address themes of hope, resilience, and the importance of striving for freedom and fulfillment despite the constraints faced by the characters. Overall, the play is expected to encapsulate the emotional and social dynamics surrounding dreams, aspirations, and the fight for a better future.