Using the SOAPStone method

[Julissa, Facilitator]

SOAPStone is an acronym for a series of questions to ask yourself when reading a piece of literature. It stands for Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, and Tone. It can help you understand the meanings behind works of literature, and even get you into the mind of the author.

As read through and reflect on the poem "Caged Bird" how would you answer the questions below?

• What is the subject of the poem?
• On what occasion do you think the speaker is saying the poem?
• Who is the intended audience for the poem?
• What do you think the purpose of the poem is?
• Who is the speaker in the poem?
• What is the tone of the poem (the speaker’s attitude toward the subject)?

[Cheryl]

I'm sure I missed some things, but I am ready for a literary conversation...

I believe the poem is about expressing yourself as your authentic self. Existing in your natural skin and living life in the absence or presence of mental and/or physical restraints.

The speaker seems to be expressing a time in their life where freedom of existing was a novel phenomenon. The occasion could vary from an abuse survivor finding their voice and speaking up, to a child leaving their parent's home to pursue their endeavors, to a political activist standing firm in the truths of injustice.

The intended audience appears to be young adults who perhaps are apprehensive about life outside of their cage. That cage can be constructed by outside factors or self-inflicted factors. Consisting of anyone who may be fearful of breaking the restraints.

I think the purpose is to inspire people who do not know what "freedom" may look like, feel like, or taste like. The poem understands the plight of the caged bird, but also wants to provide possibilities of the other side of the cage. The purpose is to draw stark contradictions to life in a cage versus freedom, and allow the "bird" to decide which life is more appealing.

The speaker is someone who has experienced freedom and captivity. A third person who can emphasize with the fear and burden of being caged, and yet knows the exhilaration of freedom.

The speaker uses imagery and repetition to convey the doom of the caged bird. The descriptive paragraphs of the free bird elicits lightness, carefree, exploration, and content. Conversely, there are more paragraphs for the caged bird which illustrates a persistently imminent gloom.

[Aisha]

Julissa wrote: "SOAPStone is an acronym for a series of questions to ask yourself when reading a piece of literature. It stands for Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, and Tone. It can help you understa..."

I believe the speaker has experienced ups and downs in life. When things were great they didn't feel there was anything that could limit them. I think once that same bird experienced down times it was hard to feel that same freedom. Life can sometimes beat people down but having the ability to sing seems to indicate a sign of hope. Sometimes when you have certain opportunities, freedoms, abilities, etc. You don't typically view them as a privilege until you no longer have those things. People sometimes take their gifts for granted and the caged bird understands that is too often the case. The cage bird knows that they have the choice to look at their current situation and be depressed about it or they can choose to do something different that can change how they experience their current circumstances. I think anyone outside of the cage can be inspired by the singing of someone who seems to find joy even in the hard times.

[Julissa, Facilitator]

Cheryl wrote: "I'm sure I missed some things, but I am ready for a literary conversation...I believe the poem is about expressing yourself as your authentic self. Existing in your natural skin and living life ..."

Cheryl, I am loving this analysis for the duality you have captured so eloquently! The variable occasion and audience in your analysis is poignant and thought-provoking. This adaptive nature of Maya Angelou's poem may be part of its timelessness and universal appeal. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to 'seeing you' soon!

[Julissa, Facilitator]

Aisha wrote: "I believe the speaker has experienced ups and downs in life. When things were great they didn't feel there was anything that could limit them."

Aisha, thank you for contributing your thoughts to this discussion! Your perspective is fresh and different, exploring the point of view that the caged and the free bird are the same. Thinking of the bird, or subject of the poem, in this way offers a new purpose to the poem, bringing appreciation and gratitude to the forefront. Wonderful! I look forward to hearing from you again.