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

Question

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.

Word Choice and Extended Metaphor in a Poem by Maya Angelou