An interpretation of Sympathy (By Paul Dunbar)

An interpretation of Sympathy By Paul Dunbar I KNOW what the caged bird feels, alas! When the sun is bright on the upland slopes; When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass, And the river flows like a stream of glass; When the first bird sings and the first bud opes, And the faint perfume from its chalice steals -- I know what the caged bird feels! The cage bird is not allowed to …

…the fight for freedom. "Carol of joy or glee" Represents songs of happiness or does it? Dunbar tries to show us the absence of joy or glee. Think about it why would a bird or slave sing of joy or glee while imprisoned. "Plea" the bird and slaves not only plea for freedom they fight for it and will continue until it's obtained. Dunbar repeats "I know why the bird sings" because he really Knows.