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All questions of Poem: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings for Class 10 Exam

What is the primary theme of Maya Angelou's poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"?
  • a)
    The contrast between freedom and oppression
  • b)
    The beauty of nature
  • c)
    The celebration of childhood
  • d)
    The importance of friendship
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Nk Classes answered
The central theme of the poem is the stark contrast between freedom and oppression, illustrated through the metaphor of a free bird and a caged bird. The free bird symbolizes privilege and liberation, while the caged bird represents those who are oppressed, particularly highlighting systemic racism.
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What emotional tone is conveyed through the caged bird's "fearful trill"?
  • a)
    Hope mixed with apprehension
  • b)
    Indifference
  • c)
    Joy
  • d)
    Anger
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kamna Science Academy answered
The "fearful trill" conveys a tone of hope mixed with apprehension, illustrating the caged bird's longing for freedom while also acknowledging the fear that accompanies its confinement.

What does the phrase "the distant hill" symbolize in the context of the caged bird's song?
  • a)
    A barrier to freedom
  • b)
    A place of safety
  • c)
    The reach of hope and inspiration
  • d)
    The end of despair
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Nk Classes answered
"The distant hill" symbolizes the reach of hope and inspiration, suggesting that the caged bird's song has the potential to resonate beyond its immediate confinement and inspire others who may hear it.

What does the phrase "his wings are clipped and his feet are tied" signify about the caged bird's condition?
  • a)
    It is physically and metaphorically restricted
  • b)
    It is free to fly
  • c)
    It has no aspirations
  • d)
    It is healthy but restrained
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Nk Classes answered
The phrase indicates the caged bird’s physical and metaphorical restrictions, suggesting that its ability to fly and fully express itself is hindered by oppression. This imagery powerfully conveys the pain of confinement.

What effect does the repetition of the phrase "his wings are clipped and his feet are tied" have in the poem?
  • a)
    It adds humor
  • b)
    It emphasizes the caged bird's suffering
  • c)
    It introduces new themes
  • d)
    It confuses the reader
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev Class 10 answered
The repetition emphasizes the caged bird's suffering and the constraints it faces, reinforcing the central theme of oppression. This technique draws attention to the ongoing struggles of those who are marginalized.

What does the free bird's ability to "name the sky his own" suggest about its experience?
  • a)
    It is afraid of flying
  • b)
    It is indifferent to the world
  • c)
    It feels entitled to freedom and opportunity
  • d)
    It is lost and confused
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kamna Science Academy answered
The ability to "name the sky his own" suggests a sense of entitlement to freedom and limitless opportunities. This phrase captures the essence of privilege and the joy that comes with unrestricted access to the world.

How does the caged bird's song differ from that of the free bird?
  • a)
    It is more beautiful
  • b)
    It reflects fear and longing
  • c)
    It is louder
  • d)
    It is filled with joy
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev Class 10 answered
The caged bird's song is characterized by a "fearful trill," representing both hope and apprehension. Unlike the joyful song of the free bird, the caged bird's song reflects a deep yearning for freedom and expresses its suffering.

What does the "grave of dreams" symbolize in the context of the poem?
  • a)
    New beginnings
  • b)
    The beauty of life
  • c)
    Death and despair
  • d)
    Lost hopes and aspirations
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev Class 10 answered
The "grave of dreams" symbolizes lost hopes and aspirations, representing the deep sense of anguish felt by those who are oppressed. It illustrates the emotional toll of being deprived of freedom and opportunity.

How does the poem reflect the historical context of African Americans?
  • a)
    By ignoring their struggles
  • b)
    By focusing solely on individual stories
  • c)
    By celebrating their successes
  • d)
    By addressing their ongoing experiences of racism and discrimination
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev Class 10 answered
The poem addresses the ongoing experiences of racism and discrimination faced by African Americans, using the metaphor of the caged bird to reflect the historical and systemic oppression that has affected this community.

What does the poem suggest about the power of expression?
  • a)
    It should be suppressed
  • b)
    It is a tool for resistance
  • c)
    It is unimportant
  • d)
    It is irrelevant to oppression
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev Class 10 answered
The poem suggests that the power of expression, as exemplified by the caged bird's song, serves as a vital tool for resistance. It allows individuals to assert their identity and communicate their longing for freedom, even in the face of oppression.

How does Maya Angelou’s personal history influence the themes presented in her poem?
  • a)
    It has no impact
  • b)
    It detracts from the message
  • c)
    It only focuses on personal success
  • d)
    It enriches the themes of resilience and oppression
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Nk Classes answered
Maya Angelou’s personal history, marked by trauma and her experiences as a Black woman in America, enriches the themes of resilience and oppression in her poem. Her life story deeply informs the emotional depth and authenticity of the struggles depicted in her work.

What does the "caged bird" symbolize in Angelou's poem?
  • a)
    Creativity
  • b)
    Wealth
  • c)
    Oppression
  • d)
    Knowledge
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kamna Science Academy answered
The "caged bird" symbolizes oppression, particularly the struggles faced by marginalized individuals, such as African Americans. The imagery of the caged bird reflects the emotional and physical constraints imposed by systemic racism.

In the poem, how does the free bird express its sense of freedom?
  • a)
    By building a nest
  • b)
    By soaring joyfully in the sky
  • c)
    By singing loudly
  • d)
    By interacting with other birds
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev Class 10 answered
The free bird expresses its freedom by soaring joyfully in the sky, which symbolizes limitless possibilities and the ease of living without restrictions. This depiction emphasizes the contrast to the caged bird's confinement.

Which literary device is prominently used in the poem to convey its themes?
  • a)
    Alliteration
  • b)
    Hyperbole
  • c)
    Simile
  • d)
    Metaphor
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kamna Science Academy answered
The poem predominantly uses metaphor, as the free bird and the caged bird symbolize broader concepts of freedom and oppression. This device effectively illustrates the contrasting experiences of individuals in society.

What role does the imagery of nature play in the poem?
  • a)
    It contrasts the experiences of freedom and confinement
  • b)
    It distracts from the main theme
  • c)
    It emphasizes the beauty of life
  • d)
    It symbolizes chaos
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Nk Classes answered
The imagery of nature contrasts the experiences of freedom and confinement, highlighting the joy and beauty associated with the free bird while simultaneously emphasizing the stark limitations faced by the caged bird.

What role does imagery play in Angelou's poem?
  • a)
    It simplifies the message
  • b)
    It distracts the reader
  • c)
    It enhances the emotional impact of the themes
  • d)
    It creates a humorous tone
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kamna Science Academy answered
Imagery plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of the themes by vividly painting the contrasting lives of the free and caged birds. This deepens the reader's understanding of the feelings associated with freedom and oppression.

In what way does Angelou's poem serve as a voice for marginalized communities?
  • a)
    It highlights the struggles against oppression
  • b)
    It ignores social issues
  • c)
    It focuses on individual success
  • d)
    It celebrates wealth and power
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev Class 10 answered
The poem highlights the struggles against oppression, particularly those faced by marginalized communities, making it a powerful voice for social justice. Angelou’s work resonates with the experiences of many who fight against systemic injustice.

What does the stanza describing the free bird contemplating "another breeze" signify about its life?
  • a)
    It is bored
  • b)
    It enjoys endless opportunities
  • c)
    It is fearful
  • d)
    It is limited
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kamna Science Academy answered
The stanza signifies that the free bird enjoys endless opportunities, highlighting a life filled with possibilities and ease. This reflects the contrast to the caged bird's constrained existence.

Why is the act of singing significant for the caged bird?
  • a)
    It is a form of entertainment
  • b)
    It has no impact
  • c)
    It represents defiance and hope
  • d)
    It is a sign of weakness
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev Class 10 answered
The act of singing is significant for the caged bird as it represents defiance and hope, illustrating the bird's resilience and its desire for liberation despite its suffering and confinement.

How does the poem's structure contribute to its overall meaning?
  • a)
    It focuses only on one perspective
  • b)
    It uses a single stanza
  • c)
    It has no specific structure
  • d)
    It alternates between the free bird and caged bird
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Nk Classes answered
The poem's structure alternates between the free bird and caged bird, which reinforces the contrast between freedom and oppression. This structure allows the reader to appreciate the differences in their experiences and the emotional weight of each perspective.

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