Skip to main content

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Literary Devices

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
 Literary Devices

Rich use of literary devices
The poem is rich in literary devices.

Symbolism
For instance, the free bird symbolises liberty and white Americans, while the caged bird symbolises enslavement and African Americans.
The fat worms symbolise the privileges enjoyed by the white Americans.

Imagery
Angelou has used auditory imagery where she refers to the "fearful trill" and "nightmare scream" of the caged bird, highlighting the helplessness and the deplorable condition of the enslaved.

"The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream"

We can also visualise the free bird leaping "on the back of the wind" and dipping its wings in "orange sun rays".
"A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays"

Alliteration
There are several instances of alliteration in the poem which lends to its rhythm. 
"and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn.
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream"

Personification
Another figure of speech that has been used is personification, where inanimate objects have been given human qualities.
"and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream"

Repetition
The use of repetition also stands out. Not only is the third stanza repeated, the lines "his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing" are also repeated in the second and fifth stanzas. This repetition underscores the oppression experienced by the caged bird.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. :-
1. Question and Answers RTCs: http://why-caged-bird-sings-question
3. Themes, Form and Structure: http://why-caged-bird-sings-key-themes-form
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. :-
1. Question and Answers RTCs: http://why-caged-bird-sings-question
3. Themes, Form and Structure: http://why-caged-bird-sings-key-themes-form
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

This site is all about helping you kids study smart because for Gen Z, studying "hard" is not enough. If you feel there is any way I could improve my posts or if you have any random suggestion that might help make this more kid friendly, please don't hesitate to drop in a comment!

Be sure to check back for my response if you've asked me a question or requested a clarification through the comment section because I do make every effort to reply to your comments here.

Popular posts from this blog

Tenses: Correct Form of the Verb Exercises: ICSE English Language

Tenses: Correct Form of the Verb Exercises: ICSE English Language ** [For other Important Links related to English Language, click here 👇 https://english-language-important-links ( It is advisable to first try and solve the answers on your own, write it down in your copies and once you're done with all the questions, check from the solutions and rectify your mistakes. This practice enables you to learn from your mistakes and helps your brain retain a vivid memory and enhances your ability of language acquisition)  In the following passage, fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space. (answers below). Exercise I (0) disappeared The sun (0)_______ (disappear) behind the clouds and the sky turned grey. The wind (1)____(pick) up and a few drops of rain fell on the old tin roof. Jose (2)_____(run) inside and (3)_____(cl
1 comment
Read more

ICSE Mathematics Specimen Paper 2023 with Solutions(/ Answer Key)

ICSE Mathematics Specimen Paper 2023 with Solutions(/ Answer Key) Part A: Question Paper Part B: Answer Key Part A: Question Paper:- For detailed video explanation of these sums and sums from other chapters in your syllabus, click here 👉  Chapter wise Video Explanations of most important sums from each chapter Part B: Answer Key:-  (Scroll Below the next section on other important links for rest of the pages) [ **If you found this useful, do check the 2023 specimen papers of other subjects along with their Solutions by clicking here:  https://novakidhs.blogspot.com/p/icse-specimen-papers-2023-with.html ** For Questions and Answers, Solved Test Papers , Previous Years paper scanner and much more curated study materials on all the subjects of the ICSE syllabus, click here 👇 https://novakidhs.blogspot.com/p/icse-class-10a
Post a Comment
Read more

Do as Directed: ICSE English Language

ICSE English Language: Do as Directed: Exercises with Answers for Practice  ** [If you're unable to solve some of these questions or feel the need to revise the basics and rules, click here for an easy-to-follow guideline👇 https://transformation-of-sentences-complete-guide ( It is advisable to first try and solve the answers on your own, write it down in your copies and once you're done with all the questions, check from the solutions and rectify your mistakes. This practice enables you to learn from your mistakes and helps your brain retain a vivid memory and enhances your ability of language acquisition)  1. It is probable that he will never come back. (Begin: In …) 2. He said to me, ‘Where are you going?’ (Begin: He asked me …) 3. As soon as the chief guest had arrived, the play began. (Begin: No sooner ….) 4. I was surprised at his behaviour. (Begin: His …) 5. He will certainly succeed. (Begin: He is …) 6. He is the best student in the class. (Use better instea
Post a Comment
Read more