But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
—"Caged Bird,”
Maya Angelou
Read the second stanza of the poem. Then, answer the questions to make connections between the autobiography and the poem.
What does Marguerite do when she begins to feel free?
In the second stanza, it is mentioned that the bird opens his throat to sing. This can be seen as a metaphor for expressing oneself and finding freedom even in confinement. Drawing connections to Maya Angelou's autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," we can infer that when Marguerite (Maya Angelou's childhood name) begins to feel free, she also expresses herself and finds solace in writing and speaking. Through her powerful words, she breaks free from the metaphorical "cage" of societal expectations and experiences a sense of liberation.
To answer this question and make connections between the autobiography and the poem, we can refer to the second stanza of the poem, "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou. However, it's important to note that the given stanza does not provide direct information about Marguerite. Instead, it focuses on the experiences and feelings of a caged bird.
In the second stanza, the caged bird is described as having clipped wings and tied feet. Despite being confined, the bird opens its throat to sing. This can symbolize the bird's attempt to express itself and find freedom in its own way, even within the constraints of its cage.
To relate this to Marguerite in the autobiography (presumably referring to Maya Angelou's own autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"), we can draw parallels. In the book, Marguerite goes through various challenging and oppressive experiences, including racism, trauma, and societal restrictions. However, she also finds solace and empowerment in her own voice and expression.
When Marguerite begins to feel free, she uses her voice as a form of release and liberation. She finds a way to express herself creatively through her writing, poetry, and storytelling. By sharing her experiences and thoughts, she overcomes the limitations and barriers imposed on her.
Therefore, based on the connections between the poem and Marguerite's experiences, when Marguerite begins to feel free, she likely opens her metaphorical throat to speak and write, using her voice as a tool of self-expression and liberation.