Word Choice and Extended Metaphor in a Poem by Maya Angelou — Quiz
Question 6 • CP English Language 1
Read the excerpt from “The Caged Bird.” But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing. What is the figurative meaning of the excerpt?
Answer
A
The caged bird is thinking very serious thoughts.
B
The bird’s cage is so small that it cramps his wings and feet.
C
The bird’s cage has been placed so that it overlooks a cemetery.
D
The caged bird has had his hope destroyed.
Explanation
The “grave of dreams” suggests that the bird’s hopes and possibilities have been buried or destroyed. The clipped wings and tied feet also symbolize being prevented from living freely, rather than describing a literal cage or cemetery. So the figurative meaning is that the caged bird has had his hope destroyed.
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