Question

9 multiple choice 1 point
identify the choice that best answers the question.
part b: how does the structure identified in part a most clearly affect the poems meaning?
it emphasizes the desire of the free bird to change its situation.
it suggests that the free bird will soon help the caged bird find freedom.
it emphasizes what the caged bird has been deprived of and longs for.
it suggests that the caged bird and the free bird share the same ideals after all.

Explanation:

Identify the poem and structure

The question refers to "the structure identified in Part A" and its effect on the poem's meaning, specifically mentioning a "free bird" and a "caged bird." This is a direct reference to Maya Angelou's famous poem, "Caged Bird." The structure of this poem relies heavily on alternating stanzas that contrast the experiences, actions, and environments of the free bird and the caged bird.

Analyze the structural contrast

Using Poetic Structure, we examine how the alternating stanzas create a structural juxtaposition. By shifting back and forth between the free bird (who leaps on the back of the wind and claims the sky) and the caged bird (who stands on the grave of dreams, his wings clipped and feet tied), the poet uses Contrast in Poetry to highlight the vast difference between freedom and captivity.

Evaluate the options

• Option 1: "It emphasizes the desire of the free bird to change its situation." — Incorrect. The free bird is content and does not wish to change its situation.
• Option 2: "It suggests that the free bird will soon help the caged bird find freedom." — Incorrect. There is no interaction or connection between the two birds in the poem; they exist in separate, contrasted worlds.
• Option 3: "It emphasizes what the caged bird has been deprived of and longs for." — Correct. By placing the vivid, active freedom of the free bird directly alongside the restricted, painful existence of the caged bird, the structure emphasizes the depth of the caged bird's deprivation and its intense longing for freedom.
• Option 4: "It suggests that the caged bird and the free bird share the same ideals after all." — Incorrect. The free bird does not think of the caged bird or share its struggle; it only thinks of another breeze and fat worms.

Formulate the final conclusion

The structural contrast between the two birds serves to underscore the tragedy of captivity, making the caged bird's deprivation and longing much more poignant to the reader.

Answer:

• It emphasizes the desire of the free bird to change its situation.
• It suggests that the free bird will soon help the caged bird find freedom.
• It emphasizes what the caged bird has been deprived of and longs for. (Correct answer)
• It suggests that the caged bird and the free bird share the same ideals after all.