Read the excerpt from “The Caged Bird.”
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.
What is the figurative meaning of the excerpt?
1 answer
The figurative meaning of the excerpt is that the caged bird represents someone who is oppressed or restricted in some way. The bird's "grave of dreams" symbolizes the loss of freedom and the inability to pursue one's aspirations. The bird's "shadow shouts on a nightmare scream" suggests the constant anguish and desperation it feels. Despite its physical limitations, the bird finds solace by expressing its emotions through singing, which symbolizes its resilience in the face of adversity.