English

Why Does the Caged Bird Stand on the “Grave of Dreams?” - English 2 (Literature in English)

Advertisements
Advertisements

Question

Why does the caged bird stand on the “grave of dreams?”

Answer in Brief
Advertisements

Solution

Maya Angelou creates a vivid image with the line “But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams.” This is a death image. The hopes and dreams of a whole race of people are dead.
Angelou uses the images of a free bird and a caged bird to compare the lives of those who are free to create their own destiny, and those who are oppressed based on their race. Those who are oppressed have hopes and dreams but they are unattainable not because the people are incapable, but because they are born as people of color. She goes on to say that the bird, representing the oppressed people, lives with its feet “tied” and wings “clipped,” which renders it devoid of choices to better its situation. In spite of the dire circumstances, the bird chooses to sing. In other words, its spirit will not be broken.

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

APPEARS IN

Evergreen Publication Treasure Trove [English] Class 9 and 10 ICSE
Chapter 1.07 I Know why the Caged Bird Sings
Project | Q 8

RELATED QUESTIONS

Dahl is annoyed that people – including children – watch too much television. Do you agree, or disagree? Why, or why not?


Which figure of speech is used in the lines:
(Last week in someone’s place we saw
A dozen eyeballs on the floor.)


Combine the following sets of ideas to show the contrast between them.

(i) The Emperor may rule over the territory he has conquered.

(ii) The artist knows the way within.


The words in the box are all words that describe movement. Use them to fill in the blank in the sentence below.
When he began to trust me, the squirrel began ____________ into my pockets for morsels of cake.


Use the following points and write an appreciation of the poem:

  • About the poem, poet, and title
  • Theme
  • Poetic style, language, poetic devices used in the poem
  • Special features
  • Message/values/morals in the poem
  • Your opinion about the poem

Given below is a list of words used to develop a CV or a Resume. Prepare a CV/Resume of your own.

Personal Information

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of birth
  • Telephone / E-mail
  • Nationality
  • Marital status

Work Experience

  • Experience/ Occupation / Position
  • Employer / Employment History
  • Internships
  • Activities and responsibilities

Education

  • Education and Training
  • Primary school
  • Secondary school
  • Other qualification

Personal Skills and Competencies

  • Competencies / Personal Competencies / Personal Skills/ Computer skills Mother tongue/ Other languages / Foreign languages

Prepare a formal invitation card for the Art Festival.


Say ‘WHY’?

The writer found his stay abroad very profitable.


Imagine that you and your friend get a chance to visit another planet. There, you befriend an alien who takes you around the planet. After reaching the earth, write a letter thanking him for all the help he did.


Why didn’t the grandmother feel sentimental when the author went abroad for higher education?


Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी


      Forgot password?
Use app×