English

Read the Above Lines and Answer the Question that Follow. What Does the Line “And His Shadow Shouts on a Nightmare Scream” Mean?

Advertisements
Advertisements

Question

But a caged BIRD stands on the grave of dreams
His shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
His wings are clipped and his feet are tied
So he opens his throat to sing.

Read the above lines and answer the question that follow.

What does the line “and his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream” mean?

Answer in Brief
Advertisements

Solution

The line describes the caged bird who “stands on the grave of dreams/ his shadow shouts
on a nightmare scream.” The grave of dreams can refer to a person who has given up on his dreams. The shadow, rather than the bird itself, shouts, revealing a sense of powerlessness, for who would hear the shout of a shadow? This contrasts with the free bird described in the previous stanza who boldly “names the sky his own.”

The caged bird’s “nightmare scream” gives an otherworldly sense that, again, the cry will not be heard. The words “shadow” and “nightmare” evoke a dark outlook, where only the bird’s shadow or nightmares may escape the confines of the cage. The speaker, describes the bird’s cries as “shouts on a nightmare scream”. At this point, the caged bird is so despondent in his life of captivity that his screams are like that of someone having a nightmare.

shaalaa.com
Writing Skills
  Is there an error in this question or solution?
Chapter 1.07: I Know why the Caged Bird Sings - Stanza 4

APPEARS IN

Evergreen Publication Treasure Trove [English] Class 9 and 10 ICSE
Chapter 1.07 I Know why the Caged Bird Sings
Stanza 4 | Q 2

RELATED QUESTIONS

Referring closely to the play, trace Don John's plots against Claudio and Don Pedro from their earliest beginnings. How do the plots end? 


"Boxer lives his life in patience and unquestioning service." How far is this statement true? Throw light on Boxer's character. 


How do you cook rice in your house?

Fill in the gaps in this recipe for cooking rice. Use the words in the box

boil

water

heat

keep

rice

lid

low

water

more

ready

What you'll need 

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice 
  • 2 cups water 
  • pinch of salt

How to make it

  1. ______the rice until the ______runs clear. 
  2. Drain the water and ______ aside.
  3. In a medium sized pan, bring water to ______. 
  4. Add the salt, stir, and then add the rinsed and drained ______.
  5. Reduce the heat, cover the rice, and let it simmer on ______ heat for 20 minutes.
  6. Check after 15 minutes to see if all the ______ has evaporated. If it has, the rice is ______.
  7. If not, replace the ______ and let the rice simmer for 5 ______
  8. Remove from ______ and serve

Fill in the blank by choosing the preposition from the option.

The girl was thrilled ______ see her new bicycle.


Tina goes to her school library to borrow a book. Complete her dialogue with the librarian by using and or or in the blanks.

Tina Ma’am, I want to borrow a book.
Librarian Do you want a story book ______a book of poems?
Tina I want a story book.
Librarian Do you like stories about animals ______adventure stories?
Tina I like both.
Librarian Go to the second cupboard. On the first shelf, you will find animal stories ______ on the second, adventure stories.
Tina Ma’am, I want Black Beauty______ Panchantantra Stories
Librarian You can have either Black Beauty______Panchantantra Stories

Use the above map to answer the questions.

  1. What does the dotted line on the map show?
  2. What road would Ajay take to get to the boat club?
  3. What building is next to the picnic area?
  4. What road passes by Ajay’s house?
  5. What other way could Ajay use to get from his house to his grandmother’s house?

Now write:

Use verbs like go, turn, cross

Use prepositions like: across, between, in front of, beside, near, behind, and write how you get home from school.


What made her feel confident about the competitive players? Explain.


One has to be cautious and not be carried away by stories. How did Sletherby exhibit caution?


How would Miss Meadows usually treat Mary? How did her behavior towards the girl change that day?


Write a paragraph of about 150 word, on the following topic.

The importance of Reading


Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी


      Forgot password?
Use app×