Describe the contrasting imagery of the caged bird and the free bird in the poem. How does this imagery symbolize different aspects of life and freedom?

Why do you think the poet presents the free bird before depicting the caged bird?    *10 pointsTo further minimize the caged birdto establish a contrast between the two birds and their respective experience and create a vivid image of what life without constraints looks liketo emphasize the importance of the free bird

What does the poem suggest about the longing for freedom and self-expression, as depicted by the caged bird?

How does the title of the poem, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," relate to the themes and emotions conveyed in the poem?

What can the caged bird be a symbol of? Explain.

Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow.                    “Sympathy”I know what the caged bird feels, alas!When the sun is bright on the upland slopes;When the wind stirs soft through the springing grassAnd the river flows like a stream of grass;When the first bird sings and the first bud opes,And the faint perfume from its petals steals –I know what the caged bird feels!I know why the caged bird beats its wingTill its blood is red on the cruel bars;For he must fly back to his perch and clingWhen he rather would be on the branch a –swing;And a pain still throbs in the old, old scarsAnd they pulse again with a keener sting –I know why he beats his wing!I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,When he beats his bars and would be free;It is not a song of joy or glee,But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core,But a plea, that upward to heaven he fings –I know why the caged bird sings!       (Adapted from the poem by Laurence Donbar in ‘American Negro Poetry’ edited by ArnaBomtemps. New York: Hill and Waug 1974)Questionsa)     Explain briefly what the poem is about.                     (3 marks)b)     What does the poet focus on in each of the three stanzas?             (6 marks)c)     How would you describe the persona’s feelings towards the caged bird?     (4 marks)d)     What can we infer about the persona’s own experiences?             (3 marks)e)     Identify a simile in the first stanza and explain why it is used.         (2 marks)f)     Explain the meaning of the following lines:          (i) And the faint perfume from the petals steals                 (1 mark)g)     Supply another suitable title for this poem.                     (1 mark)