Use the text “Sympathy” to answer the following question.

Question

Based on lines 8-14 of “Sympathy,” what can be inferred about the caged bird’s actions?
A.The bird is desperately trying to escape.
B.The bird enjoys the challenge of captivity.
C.The bird is content with its surroundings.
D.The bird is performing for onlookers.

8.
Use the text “Sympathy” to answer the following question.

How does the poet’s repetition of “I know” in “Sympathy” affect the overall meaning of the poem?
A.It suggests the speaker’s deep empathy for the caged bird.
B.It implies the speaker has scientific knowledge about birds.
C.It creates a rhythmic pattern that mimics a bird’s song.
D.It emphasizes the speaker is also trapped.

(1) I know what the caged bird feels, alas!
When the sun is bright on the upland slopes;
When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass,
And the river flows like a stream of glass;
(5) When the first bird sings and the first bud opes,
And the faint perfume from its chalice steals—
I know what the caged bird feels!

I know why the caged bird beats his wing
Till its blood is red on the cruel bars;
(10) For he must fly back to his perch and cling
When he fain would be on the bough a-swing;
And a pain still throbs in the old, old scars
And they pulse again with a keener sting—
I know why he beats his wing!

(15) I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,
When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,—
When he beats his bars and he would be free;
It is not a carol of joy or glee,
But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core,
(20) But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings—
I know why the caged bird sings!

Answer 1

Based on lines 8-14 of "Sympathy," the correct inference regarding the caged bird’s actions is:

A. The bird is desperately trying to escape.

This section describes the bird beating its wing until its blood is red on the bars, indicating a struggle and desire for freedom rather than contentment or enjoyment in captivity.

For the second question, regarding the poet’s repetition of “I know” in “Sympathy,” the correct interpretation is:

A. It suggests the speaker’s deep empathy for the caged bird.

The repetition emphasizes the speaker's understanding and connection to the bird's suffering and desires, showcasing the speaker's emotional resonance with the bird's plight.