Analyzing the Caged Bird vs the Free Bird

Angelou compares the free bird to the caged bird in two separate parts of the poem (the 1st and 2nd stanza, and then again in the 4th and 5th stanza). For this activity, students will choose one of these parts and illustrate and describe the two birds.

Example: In the 4th stanza, the free bird thinks about the fresh air and the worms on the ground that he will eat. He names the sky his own, meaning the vast sky is his to be free in. In the 5th stanza, the caged bird “sits on the grave of dreams”, meaning that his dreams are dead. The caged bird has clipped wings and his feet are tied, meaning that he cannot go anywhere.

Due Date:

Objective:Identify, describe, and illustrate 2 stanzas where the birds are compared.

Student Instructions:

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. In the description box, briefly describe the bird .
3. Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
4. Save and exit when you're done.