Consider the extended metaphor of the caged bird. Then, choose the figurative meaning of each quotation from the poem.
“But a bird that stalks / down his narrow cage / can seldom see through / his bars of rage”
Figurative meaning: The speaker recognizes that a bird confined to its cage cannot fully understand or perceive the anger and oppression that exists beyond its immediate surroundings.
The extended metaphor of the caged bird represents a person who is trapped or oppressed. In this quotation, the figurative meaning can be interpreted as follows:
1. "But a bird that stalks" - The bird symbolizes a person who is trying to assert their freedom or individuality.
2. "down his narrow cage" - The narrow cage represents the constraints or limitations that the person is confined to.
3. "can seldom see through" - The person is unable to see beyond their immediate circumstances or situation.
4. "his bars of rage" - The bars symbolize the anger, frustration, or resentment that the person feels as a result of being trapped or oppressed.
To understand the figurative meaning of each quotation from the poem, "But a bird that stalks / down his narrow cage / can seldom see through / his bars of rage," we need to analyze the extended metaphor of the caged bird.
In the extended metaphor of the caged bird, the bird represents an individual who is trapped or constrained, unable to live freely. The cage symbolizes the various oppressive forces or circumstances that confine and restrict the bird's life.
Now, considering each quotation:
1. "But a bird that stalks" - This signifies the bird's attempts to move or seek within its confined space. It represents the individual's desire for freedom, expressing their longing to escape their constraints.
2. "down his narrow cage" - Here, the narrow cage serves as a metaphorical representation of the limitations and constrictions on the individual's life. It implies a sense of entrapment and restricted movement.
3. "can seldom see through" - This phrase suggests that the bird's perspective is limited within the confined space, unable to see beyond the boundaries of its cage. It signifies the individual's inability to fully comprehend or grasp the reality outside their constraints.
4. "his bars of rage" - The "bars of rage" symbolize the anger and frustration felt by the bird, representing the individual's emotional turmoil and dissatisfaction resulting from their restrictions. This phrase highlights the bird's intense desire to break free from its cage and find liberation.
In summary, the figurative meaning of each quotation in the context of the extended metaphor of the caged bird is:
1. The bird's attempts to move and seek freedom within its confinement.
2. The limitations and constrictions that confine the individual's life.
3. The inability to perceive or understand the reality beyond their constraints.
4. The anger and frustration experienced due to the oppressive circumstances.