Read the stanzas.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.
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.
–“Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
What can the reader better understand about the caged bird after having read about the free bird?
The reader can better understand the contrast and the limitations faced by the caged bird after reading about the free bird. The free bird is described as being able to enjoy the freedom of flying, feeling the breeze, and claiming the sky as its own. In contrast, the caged bird is restricted, its wings are clipped, and its feet are tied. The poem highlights the stark difference between the freedom and joy experienced by the free bird and the confinement and despair felt by the caged bird.
After reading about the free bird, the reader can better understand the stark contrast between the two birds and the plight of the caged bird. The free bird represents freedom, enjoying the beauty of nature, and being able to claim the sky as its own. On the other hand, the caged bird is confined and restricted, unable to experience the joys of freedom like the free bird. The reader can better understand the caged bird's longing for freedom, as it stands on the grave of its dreams and expresses its frustration through its song. The comparison emphasizes the stark contrast in their experiences, highlighting the pain and oppression endured by the caged bird.
After reading about the free bird in the poem, the reader can better understand the contrasting situation of the caged bird. The stanzas describe the free bird's freedom and ability to enjoy the natural world, such as feeling the breeze, hearing the wind in the trees, and the anticipation of finding food. The bird is able to claim the sky as its own, symbolizing a sense of ownership and control over its life.
In contrast, the caged bird is confined and unable to experience these freedoms. It is located on the "grave of dreams," which suggests that its aspirations and hopes are stifled. The bird's shadow shouts on a "nightmare scream," indicating a sense of fear and distress. Its wings are clipped and feet tied, symbolizing limitations and restrictions.
By contrasting the free bird's experiences with those of the caged bird, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the caged bird's oppressed existence. The poem highlights the imprisonment of the caged bird and emphasizes the stark contrast between freedom and captivity.