The figurative meaning of the phrase “floats downstream” suggests a sense of ease and freedom. Among the options provided, “glides with the water” best captures this idea. It implies that the bird is moving smoothly and effortlessly, enjoying the journey without resistance. This imagery reflects the themes of liberation and the natural flow of life.
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.
–“Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
Read the stanza. What is the figurative meaning of the phrase “floats downstream”?
has no worries
likes many things
needs few people
glides with the water
11 answers
nope try another statement thats not correct
Certainly! The figurative meaning of “floats downstream” could also imply a lack of concerns or burdens. The bird is carefree and not struggling against obstacles, representing a state of tranquility and freedom. Among the options initially provided, "has no worries" could also align with this interpretation, as it suggests that the bird is moving freely without stress or anxiety.
Read the stanza.
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.
–“Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
How does the poet develop the extended metaphor of the caged bird in the last two lines?
by describing how the bird is tied and bound
by arguing that caged birds have some freedoms
by describing the one act of freedom a caged bird has
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.
–“Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
How does the poet develop the extended metaphor of the caged bird in the last two lines?
by describing how the bird is tied and bound
by arguing that caged birds have some freedoms
by describing the one act of freedom a caged bird has
The poet develops the extended metaphor of the caged bird in the last two lines by describing the one act of freedom a caged bird has. In these lines, the act of opening his throat to sing represents a form of expression and the desire for freedom, despite the limitations and confinement the bird experiences. This highlights the resilience and spirit of the caged bird, emphasizing that even in a state of captivity, there is an expression of hope and longing for freedom.
Identify the connotative meaning of each word based on the context of the poem.
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.
–“Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
The connotative meaning of sky is “
.”
The connotative meaning of narrow is “
.”
The connotative meaning of dreams is “
.”
The connotative meaning of shadow is “
.”
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.
–“Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
The connotative meaning of sky is “
.”
The connotative meaning of narrow is “
.”
The connotative meaning of dreams is “
.”
The connotative meaning of shadow is “
.”
Here are the connotative meanings of each word based on the context of the poem:
-
Sky: The connotative meaning of "sky" is “freedom and limitless potential.” In the context of the poem, the sky represents the vast possibilities and the idea of reaching for one's aspirations.
-
Narrow: The connotative meaning of "narrow" is “confinement and restriction.” It implies a lack of space or opportunity, enhancing the sense of captivity and limitations experienced by the caged bird.
-
Dreams: The connotative meaning of "dreams" is “hopes and aspirations.” In the poem, dreams symbolize the desires and ambitions that remain unfulfilled due to the constraints of the caged bird's existence.
-
Shadow: The connotative meaning of "shadow" is “loss and despair.” It suggests a lingering presence of sadness or the haunting aspects of unfulfilled potential, emphasizing the dark reality of the caged bird's condition.
These connotative meanings contribute to the poem's overall themes of freedom, captivity, hope, and despair.
The connotative meaning of sky is “
✔ limitless
.”
The connotative meaning of narrow is “
✔ limited
.”
The connotative meaning of dreams is “
✔ hopes and desires
.”
The connotative meaning of shadow is “
✔ who a person once was
.”
Read the stanza, then answer the questions.
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.
–“Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
Which word has a connotative meaning of “sad and lonely”?
The connotative meaning of this word gives the poem a feeling of
.
✔ limitless
.”
The connotative meaning of narrow is “
✔ limited
.”
The connotative meaning of dreams is “
✔ hopes and desires
.”
The connotative meaning of shadow is “
✔ who a person once was
.”
Read the stanza, then answer the questions.
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.
–“Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
Which word has a connotative meaning of “sad and lonely”?
The connotative meaning of this word gives the poem a feeling of
.
The word that has a connotative meaning of “sad and lonely” is “fearful.”
The connotative meaning of this word gives the poem a feeling of sorrow and yearning. It conveys the emotional struggle of the caged bird, expressing its pain and longing for freedom, which enhances the overall theme of confinement and the desire for liberation.
distant for the first one
Read the stanza. Then, complete the statements.
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.
–“Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
The literal meaning of “he names the sky his own” is “
.”
The figurative meaning of “he names the sky his own” is “
.”
The figurative meaning helps the reader understand that people who have freedom can
.
Read the stanza. Then, complete the statements.
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.
–“Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
The literal meaning of “he names the sky his own” is “
.”
The figurative meaning of “he names the sky his own” is “
.”
The figurative meaning helps the reader understand that people who have freedom can
.
Here are the completions for the statements:
The literal meaning of “he names the sky his own” is “he claims ownership or control over the sky.”
The figurative meaning of “he names the sky his own” is “he has the freedom to pursue his dreams and desires without limitations.”
The figurative meaning helps the reader understand that people who have freedom can fully embrace their potential and live life to the fullest, without being constrained by obstacles or confinement.
1 answer