What does the caged bird symbolize in the poem Sympathy by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Answer the following questions.
1. What does the caged bird symbolize? Paul Laurence Dunbar’s parents were both freed slaves- does this fact change the meaning of the poem for you.
2. What is the significance of the title? How does it connect to the poem’s overall meaning.
3. Alternate: If you are familiar with Maya Angelou’s first book, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, address why Angelou alluded to Dunbar’s poem in her title.
