Word Choice and Extended Metaphor in a Poem by Maya Angelou

Question 1

What can the reader better understand about the caged bird after having read about the free bird?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: why the emotional pain of oppression makes the caged bird shout

Question 2

Write four to six sentences explaining the use of extended metaphor in the poem "Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

In Maya Angelou’s poem "Caged Bird," the author uses an extended metaphor to contrast the lives of free and oppressed people. The free bird represents individuals who enjoy liberty and opportunity, illustrated by its ability to "leap on the back of the wind." In contrast, the caged bird serves as a metaphor for people who are marginalized and confined by systemic barriers and inequality. By describing the bird's "clipped wings" and "tied feet," Angelou emphasizes the physical and legal constraints of oppression. This metaphor is further extended through the bird's song, which symbolizes the enduring hope and resilience of the human spirit even in captivity.

Question 3

What did you include in your response? Check all that apply.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: The free bird is a metaphor for a free person.; B: The caged bird is a metaphor for an oppressed person.; C: Angelou supports each extended metaphor by comparing the birds.; D: Angelou uses the metaphors to create strong feelings in the reader.

Question 4

Consider the extended metaphor of the caged bird. Then, choose the figurative meaning of each quotation from the poem.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

“But a bird that stalks / down his narrow cage / can seldom see through / his bars of rage”: The caged bird is so angry about his lack of freedom that it is all he can think about.; “The caged bird sings / with a fearful trill / of things unknown / but longed for still”: The caged bird desires freedom, even though he has never experienced it.

Question 5

Consider the extended metaphor of the caged bird. Then, choose the figurative meaning of each quotation from the poem.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: ✔ The caged bird is so angry about his lack of freedom that it is all he can think about.

Question 6

The caged bird prefers singing to being free.The caged bird fears freedom because he only knows oppression.✔ The caged bird desires freedom, even though he has never experienced it.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: ✔ The caged bird desires freedom, even though he has never experienced it.

Word Choice and Extended Metaphor in a Poem by Maya Angelou Answers

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