I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS

QUESTION /ANSWERS

Q1 Explain what is meant by the phrase “the orange sun rays”.

A ‘Orange sun rays’ reflects the free and lively atmosphere that the free bird flies in. Moreover with
the help of color imagery of orange rays, the effect heightens as orange is a color associated with
glow and happiness.

Q2 How does the free bird dare to claim the sky?

A The free bird springs free from the ground to fly in the direction of the air current. It looks as if the
bird had immersed his wings in the orange rays of the sun. The free bird and its movement in the
natural habitat is unrestricted. The free bird flies as if the sky belonged to him. This is how he dares
to claim the sky as his own.

Q3 Whydoes the stanza begins with “But”?

A The first stanza of the poem is about the unrestricted movement of the free bird. In the next
stanza it stands in stark contrast to this. By using the word ‘but’ to begin this stanza, the poet
prepares the readers for this contrast. The bird in this stanza is not free but one who stalks down in
his narrow cage. Contrast is used to heighten the effect of differences between these two types of
birds i.e free and caged bird.

Q4 Why do you think the cage is’ narrow’? What is meant by ‘ his bars of rage’ ?

A The narrow cage is a reference to restrictions on the life of caged birds.

The caged bird can seldom see through his bars of rage. The birds vision of freedom is absent. As the
bird is caged and imprisoned and thus it is filled with rage and anger.

Q5 Give the meaning and significance of the following lines:

‘his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing’

A The caged bird is enslaved to such an extent that its wings are clipped and feet are tied. Under
such circumstances it has only option left that is to open its throat and sing. These lines are
significant as they not only reflect the birds helplessness and distress but also its strength.. The bird
used its singing as a means of expression. Its singing is thus symbolic of its rebellion against
oppression. This song divulges its hope and inner strength.

Q6 Under what circumstances does the caged bird sing? What does it tell us about his condition?

A The circumstances which forces the caged bird to sing are his clipped wings and tied feet. It tells
us about the birds enslavement. The birds movement are restricted, he cannot fly , his visions are
restricted and he is furious at his entrapment. This helplessness grants him one choice i.e is to open
his throat and sing for want of freedom.

Q7 What is meant by ‘ fearful trill’ ? Why is it said to be fearful?

A The fearful trill is a reference to the caged birds song of freedom. The bird produces a trill, an
unsteady sound because he is afraid or nervous. It is fearful because he realises his distressed state.
It makes him cry for freedom.

Q8 What is meant by ‘ another breeze’? Why does the free bird thinks of another breeze?

A Another breeze refers to more freedom which the free bird selfishly wishes for himself. The free
bird thinks that with the help of another breeze he would be able to claim the sky as his own. As the
whites were always given freedom and they were never satisfied and wanted more.

Q9 What is the grave of dreams? Why does a caged bird stand on the grave of dreams?

A The birds cage has now become the grave of his dreams. The birds cage is the place where he has
been trapped and it is here that all his wishes and aspirations lie buried.

The bird thus stands on the grave of his dream to cry for freedom. Thus he screams as someone
having a nightmare.

Q10 What metaphorical does the following lines have?

‘his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing’.

A It signifies the birds helplessness and distress as the caged birds are enslaved. It also reflects its
strength as the caged bird uses its singing as a means of expression. This singing is symbolic of its
rebel against the oppression. It also gives a hope and reveals its inner strength.

Q11 What is the significance of the following expression ‘ fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn’?

A The expression signifies how every opportunity was available to the whites on a platter. The ‘fat
worms’ are waiting on a lawn at sunrise to be devoured by the free bird. This was in contrast to the
African Americans who were never given freedom to choose what they wanted or desired.

Q12 Why is the third stanza repeated in the last?

A Repetition of third stanza again in the last emphasises the fact that captive bird is devoid of
freedom being unknown of many strange things but still sings the song of freedom in quaver. His
longing for freedom is so intense that his cries are heard far and wide. In order to draw the attention
of readers towards the downtrodden African Americans she repeats this stanza.It gives the message
that hope lies eternal.