Caged Bird

The poem alternates between describing the free bird and the caged bird. This structure emphasizes

• the contrast between being free and confined.

• the similarity between the experiences of being free and confined.

• the complicated struggle of being free.

• the caged bird and free bird are the same species.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

In stanza 2, Angelou uses the word leaps, which is similar in meaning to the word jumps. The use of the word leaps emphasizes that the free bird is

• just like any animal

• spirited and powerful

• graceful like a dancer

• conflicted and alone

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

In stanza 2, the only rhyming words are ____________ and _________.

• bird and heard

• stalks and through

• rage and cage

• sing and tied

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

What do the rhyming words rage and cage in stanza 2 emphasize?

• the anger that can accompany a lack of freedom

• the sadness that can accompany a lack of freedom

• that it is possible to feel free even in a cage

• that the caged bird cannot sing

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

Stanzas 2 and 5 describe the caged bird: "his wings are clipped and / his feet are tied/ so he opens his throat to sing." This shows that

• the bird's body is imprisoned, but he refuses to stop expressing himself.

• the bird is imprisoned, but he is well-groomed and cared for.

• all birds sing the same song no matter their circumstances.

• the bird wants to entertain others despite being imprisoned.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

What does the word trill most likely mean, based on its context in stanza 3?

• strong, confident tone.

• another animal of a similar species.

• a peaceful song sung by a bird or insect.

• trembling or quivering sound made a bird or insect.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Based on the context in stanza 5, "the grave of dreams" can be read as a figure of speech that shows the caged bird

• lives in a graveyard

• works to achieve a range of goals.

• has had to suppress many ambitions

• has given up acts as if he were dead

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

The content of stanza 3 is repeated in stanza 6. This repetition reveals that the bird

• has resigned himself to a captive life.

• is now content, understanding that life in the cage is safer.

• has never known freedom, but understands what it is and hopes for it.

• sings a song of freedom that is not heard by others, but he accepts it.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

The caged bird can be interpreted as a metaphor expressing the importance of

• acceptance

• helping others

• protecting birds

• freedom for all

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4