Question

when searching for the connotations of the words in \the caged bird,\ the reader should study
the literal, dictionary meaning of the word.
the feeling or idea associated with the word.
the thing that the word is being compared to.
the attitude that the word implies about the theme.

Explanation:

Connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning. So, when looking for connotations, one studies the feeling or idea associated with the word.

Answer:

the feeling or idea associated with the word.