Read the third stanza from the poem "Sympathy."

I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,

When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,—

When he beats his bars and he would be free;

It is not a carol of joy or glee,

But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core,

But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings—

I know why the caged bird sings!



Question 1
Part A

In the third stanza of the poem "Sympathy," what can be inferred about why the bird sings?


to send a prayer to be released from its cage

to attempt to make itself feel better

to keep time to the music in its heart

to try to signal its owner to release it
Question 2
Part B

Which line from the third stanza in the poem best supports the answer in Part A?


"It is not a carol of joy or glee,"

"When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,—"

"When he beats his bars and he would be free;"

"But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings—"