Caged bird

What two things does the poem compare?

people of color during segregation to a caged bird

What does the bird who is out of the cage represent?

someone who is free, being about to fly, white people

What are four actions a bird does?

leaps, floats, dips, and dares

How is the bird changed?

bars of rage, and wings clapped

What does the caged bird sing of?

freedom, longing for it

What does “of things unknown/but longed for still” mean?

not knowing freedom but still wanting it

Example of metaphor in caged bird

bars of rage

What does “bars of rage” mean?

being trapped, full rage, inside

What might “breeze” and “fat worms” represent?

what a free bird is able to do will get

What is the subject of the poem “Caged Bird” and what is the social statement?

people of color; only thing they were able to do it sing (use their voice)