Question

read the excerpt from \the caged bird.\ but a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing. what is the figurative meaning of the excerpt? the birds cage has been placed so that it overlooks a cemetery. the birds cage is so small that it cramps his wings and feet. the caged bird has had his hope destroyed. the caged bird is thinking very serious thoughts.

Explanation:

In literature, especially poetry, figurative language is used to convey deeper meanings. Here, "stands on the grave of dreams" is a metaphor. A "grave" is associated with death. So, the dreams (which can symbolize hopes) are "dead" or destroyed. The other options are too literal. The first option about the cage overlooking a cemetery is a literal mis - reading. The second option about the cage being small is also a literal take. The fourth option about serious thoughts doesn't capture the destruction aspect as well as the metaphor of "grave of dreams" which implies destruction of hopes.

Answer:

The caged bird has had his hope destroyed.