Question

Read the following extract from the poem “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and answer the questions that follow by choosing the most appropriate option from the choices given below:

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.

What can be inferred from the second line of the extract given here?

[1 mark]

• A. The agonizing cry of the caged bird is powerless
• B. The cage is kept in a darkly lit place and is therefore scary
• C. The caged bird is wounded and is crying
• D. The caged bird is as silent as a shadow

Answer 1

The correct option is A The agonizing cry of the caged bird is powerless

The second line of the given extract here is “his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream.” It means the cry of the caged bird is as powerless. No one is present to free it from the cage and fulfil its dreams of liberty.