The Caged Bird Sings: Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the connotation of the underlined language in the phrase 'But a caged...' imply?

despair

What should the reader study when searching for the connotations of the words in 'The Caged Bird'?

the feeling or idea associated with the word

Which additional line best matches the tone of the stanza: 'The free bird thinks of another breeze...?'

and he drifts among the cottony clouds

What tone does the last line of the stanza 'But a bird that stalks...' indicate?

desperation Signup and view all the answers

Why did Clara choose the excerpt that begins with 'I sit and look out upon all the sorrows...'?

it has an extended metaphor that examines suffering Signup and view all the answers

To interpret __________ in 'The Caged Bird,' the reader must look at the context of the text rather than an individual word.

figurative language Signup and view all the answers

What do the speaker in Shakespeare's sonnet and the caged bird in the poem have in common based on figurative language?

They both are angry at their circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What feeling does the connotation of 'narrow' in the passage create?

suffocation Signup and view all the answers

If another stanza were added to 'The Caged Bird,' which excerpt could best continue the extended metaphor?

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things it craves outside the sill Signup and view all the answers

What are the connotative meanings of 'sighing,' as used in the poem? (Check all that apply)

relaxation Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'A free bird leaps...' symbolize?

opportunity Signup and view all the answers

Which word from the passage gives the best indication of the speaker's tone?

scream Signup and view all the answers

What is the figurative meaning of the excerpt 'But a caged bird stands...?'

The caged bird has had his hope destroyed Signup and view all the answers

Which excerpts from 'The Caged Bird' can be interpreted as part of the extended metaphor that represents freedom? (Check all that apply)

the trade winds soft Signup and view all the answers

What pair of uses of figurative language from 'The Caged Bird' supports the extended metaphor of freedom versus oppression?

dawn bright lawn; grave of dreams Signup and view all the answers

What concept from the poem does author Maya Angelou also address in 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'?

Angelou equates using one's voice with freedom Signup and view all the answers

What is the literal meaning of 'stalks' in 'But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage'?

to walk with measured, stiff strides Signup and view all the answers

In 'The Caged Bird,' what is the speaker's tone or attitude toward the subject of oppression? (Check all that apply)

anger Signup and view all the answers

How does the figurative language in the stanza 'A free bird leaps, on the back of the wind' work as part of the extended metaphor?

It creates images of freedom Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Caged Bird Overview

The poem explores the themes of despair and hope through the contrasting images of a caged bird and a free bird.
The caged bird symbolizes oppression, while the free bird represents freedom and opportunity.

Connotation and Tone

Connotations of words play a significant role in understanding the emotional weight of the poem, suggesting feelings like despair, suffocation, and desperation.
The tone shifts according to the portrayal of the caged bird’s anger and frustration contrasted with the free bird's carefree existence.

Figurative Language

Figurative language is crucial for interpretation and should be analyzed in context rather than in isolation.
Extended metaphors in the poem address suffering and the stark contrasts between freedom and oppression.

Key Excerpts and Their Meanings

"The caged bird sings with a fearful trill" underscores the painful longing for freedom and the destruction of hope.
Lines describing the free bird emphasize a sense of ownership over the sky, suggesting a connection to personal freedom and possibility.

Emotional Imagery

Descriptive phrases like "sighing trees" evoke feelings of relaxation and peace, contrasting sharply with the caged bird's plight.
Words such as "scream" effectively convey a tone of outrage and a deep sense of oppression.

Thematic Connections

Maya Angelou’s work, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," parallels the poem's themes by linking the act of using one's voice to the idea of freedom.
The contrast between imagery of "the trade winds soft" and "grave of dreams" emphasizes the ongoing struggle for liberation from oppression.

Overall Tone and Interpretation

The speaker’s attitude toward oppression includes elements of anger, defiance, and outrage, creating an impactful emotional resonance.
The use of movement imagery in phrases like "leaps on the back of the wind" reinforces the concept of freedom and the stark differences in living conditions for the caged versus the free bird.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore key concepts and vocabulary from Maya Angelou's 'The Caged Bird Sings' through engaging flashcards. This quiz will help you understand the connotations and emotional depth of the language used in the poems. Ideal for students looking to delve deeper into the themes of freedom and despair.