Hale-Poetry Collection: Unit 1

Why does the poem begin with a stanza about the free bird?

• to symbolize that everyone starts life with the same opportunities.
• to introduce the theme of nature and wildlife before discussing deeper themes.
• to suggest that the free bird represents a more powerful, dominant force over the caged bird.
• to contrast the freedom of the free bird with the captivity of the caged bird.

How does the speaker describe the life the free bird?

• difficult to predict
• easy and enjoyable
• easy to take for granted
• frightening but exciting

What does the caged bird do to show its yearning for freedom?

• It sings a song.
• It tries to escape.
• It flies around its cage.
• It walks around its cage.

Which of the following careers best relates to the meaning of current?

• a writer who prepares speeches for politicians.
• a doctor who treats patients for infectious diseases.
• a teacher who gives lessons on eighteenth-century literature.
• a scientist who researches how wind impacts the flow of ocean water.

In which of the following situations could the word trill best be used?

• an artist painting a picture in their art studio.
• a group of brass instruments practicing for a performance.
• a class of students reading independently in the library.
• a meeting of business associates discussing the year's financial report.

Part A: What is the effect of contrasting the experience of a free bird with those of a captive bird?

• to demonstrate the free bird's drive to live.
• to demonstrate that the captive bird has accepted his situation.
• to emphasize the advantages afforded the free bird.
• to emphasize the horrors of the injustices faced by the captive bird.

Part B: Which quotation most clearly supports the answer to Part A?

• A free bird leaps / on the back of the wind / and floats downstream / till the current ends / and dips his wing / in the orange sun rays / and dares to claim the sky
• 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.
• The free bird thinks of another breeze / and the trade winds soft through the signing trees / and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn / and he names the sky his own.
• The caged bird sings / with a fearful trill / of things unknown / but longed for still / and his tune is heard / on the distant hill / for the caged bird / sings of freedom.

What does the caged bird's song represent?

• the ability of life to adapt to new surroundings.
• the foolishness of wanting what one cannot get.
• the longing for community among those who face oppression.
• the resilience of those who are oppressed but yearn for freedom.

What is the poem's extended metaphor?

• can seldom see through / his bars of rage
• But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
• the caged bird sings of freedom.
• The caged bird represents people who are oppressed or denied of rights.

What is the poem mainly about?

• Hardships.
• Nature.
• Identity.
• Freedom.