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- 1. Multiple Choice
Select the two line combination that best describe the difference between the two birds.
“...a bird that stalks”; and “...dares to claim the sky.”
“his wings are clipped; and “his feet are tied”
“and his tune is heard”; and “sings of freedom.”
“the narrow cage” and “on the distant hill.”
- 2. Multiple Choice
What inference can you draw about the caged bird based upon the following lines from stanza 3: “The caged bird sings/with a fearful trill/of things unknown/but longed for still…”
The caged bird is afraid of freedom
The caged bird has not given up on being free
The caged bird is unsure of why he is trapped
The caged bird is jealous of the free bird
- 3. Multiple Choice
Part A: Which of the following best describes the theme of “Caged Bird”?
Freedom is found through voice.
It is better to wish for freedom than have it.
No one should cage a bird.
Only free birds can sing.
- 4. Multiple Choice
Part B: Select two lines that support your answer to Part A.
“The caged bird sings” (line 15)
“The free bird thinks of another breeze” (line 23)
“so he opens his throat to sing.” (line 14)
“his wings are clipped” (line 12)
“and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn”(line 25)
- 5. Multiple Choice
What effect do the words stalks, cage, rage, clipped, and tied (in the second stanza) have on the tone of the poem?
the caged bird is limited and angry yet hopeful.
the caged bird as free and ready to claim what is his.
the caged bird is free to do as he wishes in his cage
the caged bird is proud to be kept in a cage.
- 6. Multiple Choice
Select which of the following is true about why the author uses the wind, a stream, the sun’s rays and sky to describe the free bird in the first stanza?
The author is using nature to show the bird in its natural setting.
The author is using elements that appear limitless to show how the free bird is not limited.
The author is using nature to show how the free bird is limited by its surroundings.
The author is using nature to show what the free bird doesn’t have.
- 7. Multiple Choice
What does the repetition of stanza 3 emphasize about the poem’s theme?
The caged bird dreams of freedom.
The only thing the caged bird has is its voice.
The songs of caged bird are ignored.
The caged bird is tied down by its situation.
- 8. Multiple Choice
The author uses which of the following text structure styles in this poem:
The author alternates comparing and contrasting stanzas to show the difference between the birds
The author reveals a conflict in one stanza and the solution in the next
The author describes details that present feelings of being “trapped” or “free”
The author establishes a chronological order of events to help the reader understand the poem’s meaning
- 9. Multiple Choice
Part A: What is the meaning of the phrase ”grave of dreams” as used in the passage?
The caged bird is using the death of his dreams to motivate him to sing.
The caged bird is dreaming of his own death as a bridge to freedom.
Freedom is lost once dreams are no longer reachable.
Freedom is found through the death of the free bird.
- 10. Multiple Choice
Part B: Select two phrases in the text that provide clues to the meaning.
“...of things unknown but longed for still”
“...and his tune is heard on the distant hill”
“...and dares to claim the sky”
“...sings with a fearful trill”
"...thinks of another breeze"
- 11. Multiple Choice
What does the caged bird represent?
The oppression of the African American community.
The fight for women's rights.
A bird with clipped wings and tied feet.
Maya Angelou's anger at being lonely.
- 12. Multiple Choice
What does the free bird symbolize?
The freedom of living without fear of slavery or racism.
The freedom of living without friends.
A bird that has never had its wings clipped.
Feeling strong after working in the fields.
- 13. Multiple Choice
What is the central idea of the poem?
freedom
dislike
happiness
hate
- 14. Multiple Choice
The poem alternates between describing the free bird and the caged bird. This structure emphasizes
the contrast between being free and confined.
the complicated struggle of being free.
the similarity between the experiences of being free and confined.
the caged bird and free bird are the same species.
- 15. Multiple Choice
The content of stanza 3 is repeated in stanza 6. This repetition reveals that the bird
has never known freedom, but understands what it is and hopes for it.
sings a song of freedom that is not heard by others, but he accepts it
is now content, understanding that life in the cage is safer.
has resigned himself to a captive life.
- 16. Multiple Choice
The poem alternates between describing the free bird and the caged bird. This structure emphasizes
the contrast between being free and confined
the complicated struggle of being free
the similarity between the experiences of being free and confined
the caged bird and free bird are the same species
- 17. Multiple Choice
In stanza 1, Angelou uses the word leaps, which is similar in meaning to the word jumps. The use of the word leaps emphasizes that the free bird is
spirited and powerful
conflicted and alone
just like any animal
graceful like a dancer
- 18. Multiple Choice
The caged bird can be interpreted as a metaphor expressing the importance of ...
freedom for all
helping others
protecting birds
acceptance
- 19. Multiple Choice
What claim is the poet making?
Captivity, no matter how comfortable, is not freedom.
Captivity is a good as freedom when you have everything you need.
Oppression is not a big deal as long as you have dreams.
Dreams give you freedom.
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