The document discusses how poetry can be used to express feelings of oppression through symbols and metaphor. It provides an example from Paul Dunbar's poem "Sympathy" where he uses the metaphor of a caged bird to represent oppression, noting how the caged bird's experience of being trapped differs from simply stating "I feel oppressed." The document then asks how Maya Angelou's poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" builds on Dunbar's metaphor.

1. Symbolism: Symbols of Oppression The Open Poetry Unit OpenEducation.ws

2. Symbolism: Oppression Poetry is often used to express the feelings of oppression.

3. The abstract nature of poetry can be useful in expressing complex feelings.

4. Symbolism: Oppression Why is the metaphor of a caged bird a good way to express the feelings being held down?

5. Why not just say “I feel oppressed?” What is different about the experience of a caged bird?

6. See next slide for snippet from Sympathy by Paul Dunbar

7. Symbolism: Oppression I KNOW what the caged bird feels, alas!

8. When the sun is bright on the upland slopes;

9. When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass,

10. And the river flows like a stream of glass;

11. When the first bird sings and the first bud opes,

12. And the faint perfume from its chalice steals —

13. I know what the caged bird feels!

14. Symbolism: Oppression How does Maya Angelou's “I know why the caged bird sings” response to Dunbar's “Sympathy” add to the metaphor?

15. Snippet from “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams

16. his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream

17. his wings are clipped and his feet are tied

18. so he opens his throat to sing