Maya Angelou's 'Caged Bird' Analysis

Maya Angelou's poem 'Caged Bird' explores the themes of freedom and oppression through the allegory of two birds. The free bird represents those living in freedom, while the caged bird symbolizes those under oppression. Despite its confinement, the caged bird sings to express its longing for freedom. The poem draws on Angelou's own experiences and historical context, including references to her memoir and Paul Dunbar's poem 'Sympathy'. Through repetition and vivid imagery, Angelou highlights the resilience and persistent hope of those who dream of a better life.

What is the connection between Maya Angelou's poem 'Caged Bird' and her memoir?

• The poem's title is a reference to her memoir.

• The poem was inspired by her childhood experiences.

• The poem and memoir were published in the same year.

• The poem was written as a sequel to her memoir.

Which poet's work influenced the title of Angelou's memoir?

• Paul Lawrence Dunbar

• James Baldwin

• Gwendolyn Brooks

• Langston Hughes

What does the caged bird symbolize in Angelou's poem?

• The power of silence

• The beauty of nature

• The struggle for equality

• The joy of freedom

What is the primary theme of 'Caged Bird'?

• The struggle for freedom and equality

• The beauty of nature

• The contrast between wealth and poverty

• The inevitability of fate

How does the poem reflect Angelou's broader body of work?

• It discusses the importance of education.

• It focuses on the beauty of nature.

• It explores themes of racial inequality and resilience.

• It highlights the power of silence.

How is the life of the free bird described in the poem?

• It is a life of solitude and reflection.

• It is a life of boundless freedom and joy.

• It is a life of constant danger and fear.

• It is filled with challenges and obstacles.

What does the free bird symbolize in the poem?

• The limitations of society

• The joy of living without constraints

• The fear of the unknown

• The burden of responsibility

What restricts the caged bird's ability to experience freedom?

• Its inability to sing

• Its fear of the outside world

• Its clipped wings and tied feet

• Its lack of food

What is the significance of the 'bars of rage' in the poem?

• They indicate the bird's indifference.

• They are a metaphor for the bird's happiness.

• They symbolize the bird's anger and frustration.

• They represent the bird's physical strength.

Why does the caged bird sing, according to the poem?

• To express its happiness

• To entertain itself

• To communicate with other birds

• To express its longing for freedom