The phrase “fain would be” in line 11 most likely means A. Would rather be. In this context, "fain" is an old-fashioned term that indicates a desire or willingness to do something, and it suggests that the caged bird desires to be on the bough, which indicates a wish for freedom.
What does the phrase “fain would be” in line 11 most likely mean?
A.Would rather be
B.Is afraid to be
C.Used to be
D.Pretends to be
(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!
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