I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

What does the caged bird’s singing reveal about him?

• He is terribly unhappy.

• He prefers to sing rather than to fly.

• He does not know how to sing.

• Singing is the only way he can talk to other birds.

The poem alternates between describing the free bird and the caged bird. This structure emphasizes

• the contrast between being free and confined.

• the similarity between the experiences of being free and confined.

• the complicated struggle of being free.

• the caged bird and free bird are the same species.

According to the poem, the free bird can best be described as

• Hungry

• Content

• Cautious

• Thoughtful

The caged bird can be interpreted as a metaphor expressing the importance of

• acceptance

• helping others

• protecting birds

• freedom for all

In stanza 2, the only rhyming words are ____________ and _________.

• stalks and through

• sing and tied

• rage and cage

• bird and bird

What does the caged bird represent?

• oppression of African American people

• The fight for women's rights

• Maya Angelou's loneliness

Used in Stanza 3 the word trill most likely means

• that the caged bird cannot sing

• A peaceful song

• trembling song made by a bird or insect

What is the best description of a theme for this story?

•  People do not gain self-confidence until they realize that their existence matters.

•  Listen to those who have more life experience.

•  It is important to read in order to self-educate.

•  Life lessons sometimes come from surprising opportunities.

What effect does the following description reveal about Marguerite's view of Mrs. Flowers?"[Mrs. Flowers] had the grace of control to appear warm in the coldest weather, and on the Arkansas summer days it seemed she had a private breeze which swirled around, cooling her. "

• Marguerite admires Mrs. Flowers and thinks of her as having almost magical qualities.

• Marguerite thinks Mrs. Flowers is a witch and is frightened of her.

• Marguerite thinks Mrs. Flowers is a dull, boring woman.

What is the primary theme of 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'?

• Overcoming adversity

• The beauty of nature

• The importance of education

• The power of friendship