In "Sympathy," why does Dunbar repeat the phrase "I know" throughout the poem?

A. to emphasize his own desire to be free like a bird

B. to emphasize his understanding of the harsh effects of racism on individuals

C. to illustrate that he understands the bird's loneliness

D. to highlight the way that long-term physical imprisonment affects individuals

Question

Melissa Park

English

23 October, 11:36

In "Sympathy," why does Dunbar repeat the phrase "I know" throughout the poem?

A. to emphasize his own desire to be free like a bird

B. to emphasize his understanding of the harsh effects of racism on individuals

C. to illustrate that he understands the bird's loneliness

D. to highlight the way that long-term physical imprisonment affects individuals

+1

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Mckinley Ortega · Answer 1

The correct answer here would be B. The whole poem is essentially about racism and race. The bird in the poem represents minority here especially African-Americans who even though were technically free were still experiencing the injustice through segregation which is the cage mentioned in the poem.