Sample Response: In "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou, the free bird is an extended metaphor for a free person, and the caged bird is an extended metaphor for an oppressed person. Angelou creates a comparison between the two birds to make her point. For example, a free bird that "leaps on the back of the wind" is a metaphor for being free to do anything, while a caged bird with clipped wings and tied feet is a metaphor for being kept from doing most things. Angelou alternates the focus of the stanzas between the free bird and the caged bird. This emphasizes the contrast between the two and highlights the emotions her extended metaphors convey.
Explanation:
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The bird is a metaphor of a human. Two birds, a free and a caged one, depict the struggle of a restricted human condition, juxtaposed to the assets of being free. A free bird, that is a free human being, can enjoy the wind and nature; it is daring and venturous and not afraid of failure. A caged bird, that is a confined human being, is embittered and furious. The singing motif means that art is a kind of remedy and beautiful protest of confined individuals. Admirable though it is, their song is painful and tragic.
