1. How do the caged birds sing in each of the poems? (Sympathy by Paul Laurence Dunbar and Caged Bird by Maya Angelou).
A: The caged birds in each of the poems sing with both fear and hope.
2. Why do you think they sing as they do?
A: I think the caged birds sing as they do because they long for freedom and know they might not ever experience it, but will not give up the hope for it?
Can either of you help me?
To understand why the caged birds sing as they do in the poems "Sympathy" by Paul Laurence Dunbar and "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou, we need to examine the themes presented in each poem.
In "Sympathy" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, the caged bird sings out of fear and frustration. The poem explores the experience of being trapped and oppressed, with the bird symbolizing the African American community. The bird sings to express its longing for freedom and to seek solace in its confinement. The bird's song is an expression of hope and resistance, even in the face of adversity.
In "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou, the caged bird sings with a mixture of fear, hope, and determination. The poem symbolizes the African American struggle for freedom and equality. The caged bird's song represents the resilience and spirit of those marginalized and oppressed, who continue to sing despite their limitations. The bird's song is a metaphorical call for freedom and an affirmation of the human spirit's desire to soar.
Both poems depict the birds' songs as expressions of both fear and hope. The fear comes from their confinement, oppression, and the uncertainty of their future. However, the hope emerges from their desire for freedom and their refusal to be silenced.
To fully understand and analyze how the caged birds sing in each of these poems, it is essential to read and interpret the poems themselves. Analyzing the language, imagery, and symbolism used by the poets will provide a deeper understanding of the birds' songs and the themes they represent. Additionally, exploring the historical and social contexts in which the poems were written can further enhance our comprehension of the birds' songs and the emotions they convey.