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.

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 do the rhyming words rage and cage in stanza 2 emphasize?

• the anger that can accompany a lack of freedom

• the sadness that can accompany a lack of freedom

• that it is possible to feel free even in a cage

• that the caged bird cannot sing

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 primary theme of 'Why the Caged Bird Sings'?

• Freedom vs. Oppression

• Love and Loss

• Adventure and Discovery

• Friendship and Loyalty

Which literary device is predominantly used in 'Why the Caged Bird Sings'?

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Alliteration

• Hyperbole

In the context of 'Why the Caged Bird Sings', what does the caged bird symbolize?

• Hope

• Despair

• Freedom

• Confinement