Identify the symbolism in the poem. For instance, what do the birds, the singing, and the sky represent? What is the central meaning of the poem?

Caged bird, open sky, free birds

Explanation:

The caged bird depicts the African American who has been bound by society, and the cage symbolizes society. The laterally sky, which is far away from the imprisoned bird, represents freedom, since the free bird “identifies the sky his own.” White Americans might be represented by the free bird. 

In the poem, Maya Angelou compares a caged bird to a free bird. The caged bird represents the African American who is restricted by society, and society is represented by the cage. The sky, which is wide-open, yet distant to the caged bird, symbolizes freedom, as the free bird “names the sky his own.” The free bird could represent white Americans. The free bird’s life is carefree and unfettered, and its voice is beautiful and free. The caged bird, on the other hand, is trapped in a cage and “stands on the grave of dreams.” Its voice is fearful and unnatural. The singing of both birds represents self-expression and how discrimination and inequality can hinder and distort the views, ambitions, and expression of those who are persecuted.

Explanation:

Sample answer from Edmentum :)

1. read the following excerpt from franklin d. roosevelt's "fireside chat 19":

on the other side of the picture, we must learn also to know that guerilla warfare against the germans in, let us say serbia or norway, us; that a successful russian offensive against the germans us; and that british successes on land or sea in any part of the world strengthen our hands.

remember always that germany and italy, regardless of any formal declaration of war, consider themselves at war with the united states at this moment just as much as they consider themselves at war with britain or russia. and germany puts all the other republics of the americas into the same category of enemies. the people of our sister republics of this hemisphere can be honored by that fact.  

the true goal we seek is far above and beyond the ugly field of battle. when we resort to force, as now we must, we are determined that this force shall be directed toward ultimate good as well as against immediate evil. we americans are not destroyers — we are builders.

analyze the effectiveness of this excerpt. how does it function within the speech as a whole? how does the structure of the excerpt to convey the speech's purpose and key points? support your argument with evidence from the speech. (10 points)

the anecdote makes readers feel sorry for the man’s lack of heritage, then reminds readers that the man has an equally valuable heritage.