Observation

This is a popular question. However, most of the candidates did not state the theme of the poem. Some candidates only commented on the spatial circumstances of the caged and free bird.
The requirements of the question include:

• Human desire/determination to resist suppression and domination and be free.
• Explanation of symbolism
• The symbolism of the birds: the free bird symbolizes the white or those given unlimited opportunities in life while the caged bird is a symbol of the African Americans or those denied opportunities and growth and self-actualization
• The free bird is full of confidence, hopeful and enjoys unhindered movement

• The caged bird lacks confidence and is full of vexation and unfulfilled aspirations.
• Effects of the symbolism: depicts the different forms of identities in the poem, demonstrates how freedom can bring about great feat, shows the horror of a racially stratified society, shows the need for self-expression as a tool for self-definition and recognition; demonstrates defiance in the face of captivity, limitation and oppression.

Candidates’ performance in the question was good.