4
QuizMultiple Choice

Reality and Cynicism in Poetry

Question 4 • HVA 26-27 IM English ELA 11 A

Which lines from "Sympathy" best express the idea that the speaker can relate to the caged bird’s plight?

Answer
A
“When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass,And the river flows like a stream of glass;”
B
“When the first bird sings and the first bud opes,And the faint perfume from its chalice steals—”
C
“I know why the caged bird beats his wingTill its blood is red on the cruel bars;”
D
“When he beats his bars and he would be free;It is not a carol of joy or glee,”

Explanation

The speaker directly expresses understanding of the bird’s suffering in the words “I know why.” The image of the bird beating its wing until it bleeds shows the painful plight the speaker relates to. Therefore, the lines in choice C best express that connection.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Previous
Next