Question

unit 1: poems
comprehension and analysis questions
directions: read the text (pages 74 - 77). answer the following questions using complete sentences. provide textual evidence when necessary.

1. in caged bird, what is the subject of the caged birds song?
2. in some advice, for what reasons does the speaker say someone might be imprisoned, or thrown inside?

caged bird:

1. with what things in the world is the free bird concerned? what qualities do these elements have in common?
2. although the poem discusses both a caged bird and a free bird, only one is mentioned in the title. why do you think the poet made that choice? cite evidence from the poem to support your answer.
3. why do you think the free bird does not sing of freedom? what general ideas about people does this aspect of the poem suggest?

Explanation:

1. The caged bird's song is about its yearning for freedom and the pain of its confinement. Textual evidence could be lines that describe its desire to be free like a free - bird.
2. In "Some Advice", reasons for imprisonment might include emotional or psychological entrapment, as the poem may use imprisonment as a metaphor for being stuck in negative mental states.
3. The free bird is concerned with things like the sky, the wind, and finding food. These elements are associated with freedom, openness, and the natural world.
4. The poet may have chosen "Caged Bird" as the title because the caged bird represents the oppressed and suffering, which is a more powerful and poignant symbol. Evidence could be the detailed description of the caged bird's struggles.
5. The free bird may not sing of freedom because it takes freedom for granted. This suggests that people who are free often do not fully appreciate or celebrate their freedom, while those who are oppressed long for it.

Answer:

1. The subject of the caged bird's song is its yearning for freedom and its suffering due to confinement.
2. Reasons for being "imprisoned" in "Some Advice" may include emotional or psychological entrapment.
3. The free bird is concerned with the sky, wind, and finding food. These elements are associated with freedom and the natural world.
4. The poet chose "Caged Bird" as the title because it represents the oppressed and suffering more powerfully.
5. The free bird does not sing of freedom because it takes freedom for granted, suggesting that free people often do not fully appreciate their freedom.