“The Caged Bird.”
“But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage Can seldom see through his bars of rage His wings are clipped and his feet are tied So he opens his throat to sing.” The last line in this stanza indicates a tone of A. acceptance B. jealousy C. peacefulness D. desperation
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D. desperation.
In the stanza from “The Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou, the imagery vividly portrays a bird trapped in a cage, representing a deep sense of confinement and limitation. The line “His wings are clipped and his feet are tied” emphasizes the physical constraints placed upon the bird, signifying not only a loss of freedom but also a sense of powerlessness. The phrase evokes an emotional response, highlighting the bird’s inability to escape or to live freely.
The act of the bird “opening his throat to sing” contrasts sharply with its desperate circumstances. Here, singing becomes an expression of longing and a cry for freedom. The act of singing, despite the bird’s confinement, symbolizes a desperate attempt to assert its identity and existence. The bird’s song can be interpreted as a yearning for liberation and an expression of inner turmoil, which resonates with the tone of desperation.
Furthermore, the choice of the word “rage” in the line “bars of rage” suggests a profound emotional struggle. It indicates the frustration and anger of the bird at its inability to escape its cage. This internal conflict, combined with the physical limitations imposed upon the bird, deepens the sense of desperation. The bird’s song, rather than being a joyful or peaceful melody, emerges from a place of deep emotional pain and a desire for freedom, reinforcing the tone of desperation.
Overall, the imagery and emotional weight of this stanza reflect the profound desperation felt by the caged bird, making D. desperation the correct answer. The poem as a whole serves as a powerful metaphor for those who experience oppression and seek to find their voice in the face of confinement.