Word Choice and Extended Metaphor in a Poem by Maya Angelou

Question 1

The connotative meaning of sky is “[___] .”

Revolt · Accepted Answer

limitless; Selection 1: limitless; Selection 2: limited; Selection 3: hopes and desires; Selection 4: who a person once was

Question 2

What did you include in your response? Check all that apply.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

The free bird is a metaphor for a free person.; The caged bird is a metaphor for an oppressed person.; Angelou supports each extended metaphor by comparing the birds.; Angelou uses the metaphors to create strong feelings in the reader.

Question 3

fearfultune✔ distant

Revolt · Accepted Answer

✔ distant; Which word has a connotative meaning of “sad and lonely”?: distant; The connotative meaning of this word gives the poem a feeling of .: hopeless yearning

Question 4

The literal meaning of “he names the sky his own” is “ .” The figurative meaning of “he names the sky his own” is “ .” The figurative meaning helps the reader understand that people who have freedom can .

Revolt · Accepted Answer

he says the sky belongs to him; Selection 1: he says the sky belongs to him; Selection 2: he can go anywhere he wants; Selection 3: achieve whatever they want

Question 5

The caged bird does not see very well, especially when he is angry.✔ The caged bird is so angry about his lack of freedom that it is all he can think about.The caged bird wants to sing instead of being locked in a cage.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

The caged bird is so angry about his lack of freedom that it is all he can think about.; Selection 1: The caged bird is so angry about his lack of freedom that it is all he can think about.; Selection 2: The caged bird desires freedom, even though he has never experienced it.

Question 6

What can the reader better understand about the caged bird after having read about the free bird?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

why the emotional pain of oppression makes the caged bird shout

Question 7

Write four to six sentences explaining the use of extended metaphor in the poem "Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

In Maya Angelou’s poem "Caged Bird," the author uses an extended metaphor to contrast the lives of free and oppressed people. The free bird represents individuals who enjoy liberty and opportunity, illustrated by its ability to "leap on the back of the wind." In contrast, the caged bird serves as a metaphor for people who are marginalized and confined by systemic barriers and inequality. By describing the bird's "clipped wings" and "tied feet," Angelou emphasizes the physical and legal constraints of oppression. This metaphor is further extended through the bird's song, which symbolizes the enduring hope and resilience of the human spirit even in captivity.

Word Choice and Extended Metaphor in a Poem by Maya Angelou Answers

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