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Year 8 - English

Exploring Maya Angelou's 'Caged Bird'

Single poet study: Maya Angelou

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and discover the work of Maya Angelou. They explore some of Angelou's most famous poems, such as 'Caged Bird' and 'Still I Rise', and practise writing and performing poems inspired by her work. As the unit develops, pupils find their own distinctive poetic voice.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore Maya Angelou's 'Caged Bird'.

Key Notes

  • An extended metaphor is a detailed comparison which develops one idea over a number of lines, paragraphs or stanzas.
  • In 'Caged Bird', the idea of a bird in a cage is an extended metaphor for the unjust experiences of the Black community.
  • In 'Caged Bird', Angelou is perhaps referencing the racial segregation enforced by the 19th-20th century Jim Crow laws.
  • When comparing two poems, it can be useful to first think about what connects them.
  • After finding a point of connection between poems, you could consider the differences within this point of connection.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • extended metaphor: a detailed comparison which develops one idea over a number of lines, paragraphs or stanzas
  • legacy: long lasting impact of a certain event
  • resilient: being able to cope, withstand and recover from difficult physical or mental challenge
  • persevere: to keep doing something even if it is difficult
  • oppress: to treat someone, or a group of people, unfairly

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The caged bird is presented as completely powerless.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

An extended metaphor is a detailed comparison which develops one idea over a number of lines, paragraphs or stanzas. In 'Caged Bird', the idea of a bird in a cage is an extended metaphor for the unjust experiences of the Black community.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'extended metaphor'

a detailed comparison which develops one idea over a number of lines, paragraphs or stanzas.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The caged bird is presented as completely powerless. Correction: Although the bird in the cage is confined, he still has power, through his song which speaks to his unbroken spirit. We are meant to draw a parallel to the strength of the Black community.

More Lessons In This Unit

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