Caged Bird
Comment on the poet's use of verbs in stanza 1: how do they convey the experience of a free bird?
1. The bird leaps, floats, dips and dare they create an image of effortless movement suggesting the bird lives free without restriction or fear.
By referring to stanza 2, explain the ways in which the caged bird is trapped an explain why he stalks.
It stalks freedom as it won't approach it.
What does the caged bird's singing reveal aboyt him?
A
Explain why the caged bird's song is fearful.
The caged bird song is a "fearful trill" because it comes from a place of suffering and longing he sings for fear one hope of something he has never known which is freedom.
Explain the following metaphor: a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams.
This metaphor shows that the caged bird has lost hope. The grave of dreams symbolizes the death of aspirations meaning this dreams have been buried by his captivity.
Explain how the refrain contributes to the overall meaning of the poem.
It emphasises the birds persistent hope and longing or liberation. Repeating this line shows even though he is trapped his desire cannot be silence.
What are the differences between how the caged bird sees and experiences the world and how the free bird sees the world?
The free bird sees the world as open full of possibilities and pleasures. Fat worms breeze, the sky his own. The caged bird experience the world as a prison filled with fear, rage and last dreams seeing only through the bars of cage.
The free bird "names the sky his own". Why would he do this, and what is the importance of 'naming' something?
Naming the sky ownership, confidence and freedom. Naming something gives it meaning and shows control or belonging which only the free bird can do.
The caged "sings of freedom". Why would he do this, and why would the free bird not the same?
The caged bird sings of freedom because he lacks it and deeply desires. The free bird doesn't sing of freedom because he has it and takes it for granted.
Name two poetic devices which gives the poem a musical/lyrical quality.
Repetition, the lline " his wings are clipped and his feet are ied so he opens his throat to sing". Personification, the caged bird is given the human characteristic of singing.
How is the theme of this poem timeless and universal?
It speaks to the universal human struggle for freedom and equality relavent for all times and cultures.
Qoute and explain two emotions from the poem: one from the caged bird and one from the people who hear the tune.
The caged bird (his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream) expression deep fear and torment. (His tune is heard on the distant hill) suggest that the birds cry for freedom with and moves others possible evoking empathy or awareness.