English
Word Choice and Extended Metaphor in a Poem by Maya Angelou
Assignment
Active
Exploring the "Caged Bird" Extended Metaphor
Consider the extended metaphor of the caged bird. Then, choose the figurative meaning of each quotation from the
poem.
"But a bird that stalks / down his narrow cage / can seldom see through / his bars of rage"
The caged bird does not see very well, especially when he is angry.
The caged bird is so angry about his lack of freedom that it is all he can think about.
The caged bird wants to sing instead of being locked in a cage.
