The Caged Bird

Summary

Circle Round Podcast Summary: "The Caged Bird"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Circle Round
• Host/Author: WBUR
• Episode: The Caged Bird
• Release Date: November 19, 2024

Introduction In the "The Caged Bird" episode of WBUR's Circle Round, host Rebecca Shear brings to life a captivating folktale inspired by Jewish and Persian lore. This episode delves into themes of freedom, captivity, and the yearning for happiness, all woven seamlessly into a rich, sound- and music-enhanced narrative suitable for listeners aged 3-103.

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Story Overview The episode narrates the tale of a young prince who discovers a stunningly beautiful parrot in his palace gardens. Enchanted by the bird's vibrant feathers and melodic speech, the prince decides to keep her as a royal pet, providing her with luxurious amenities—a golden cage, satin pillows, and an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Despite the opulent surroundings, the parrot quietly laments her lack of freedom, expressing a deep longing to sing and fly alongside other birds. Her subdued sorrow contrasts sharply with the prince's perception of happiness, highlighting the central conflict between material comfort and innate freedom.

As the story unfolds, the king, concerned about his son's attachment to the parrot, takes the bird's message to a relative in the forest. This encounter leads to a transformative experience for the parrot, ultimately allowing her to reclaim her freedom and soar into the vast sky, symbolizing the triumph of true happiness over superficial captivity.

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Themes and Lessons

• Freedom vs. Material Comfort: The parrot's story underscores the idea that true happiness stems from freedom and the ability to live authentically, rather than from material possessions and security.
• Communication and Understanding: The parrot's ability to communicate her feelings, despite being initially perceived as merely a mimic, emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding those around us.
• Transformation and Liberation: The parrot's journey from captivity to freedom serves as a metaphor for personal growth and the pursuit of one's true self.

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Notable Quotes

1. Rebecca Shear [02:00]:

   "What comes to mind when you hear the word freedom? The dictionary defines freedom as the power or right to act, speak or think like you want, which makes freedom a very powerful thing."

2. Parrot [05:47]:

   "Oh, the prince lavishes me with so many luxuries. Yet the one thing I want is the one thing I cannot have. Freedom. Oh, if only I could sing with the other birds again and fly with the other birds again. But, alas, I am a prisoner of this golden cage."

3. King [09:47]:

   "If you're going to ask me to set you free, the answer is no. Unless my son agrees. And you know he never would."

4. Parrot [10:22]:

   "Tell them how I live in a golden cage and I sleep on a satin pillow, and I'm given fruits and vegetables and all the attention one could want. Then ask them how I might find my happiness."

5. Parrot [19:56]:

   "Don't you see, Prince? The finest food and pillows and cage in the whole wide world are no good. No good at all if I don't have freedom. Freedom to eat what I want, sleep where I want, fly where I want."

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Conclusion "The Caged Bird" serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic value of freedom and the universal desire to live authentically. Through the parrot's silent struggle and eventual liberation, the story encourages listeners to reflect on what truly brings happiness and fulfillment.

Activity: At the end of the episode, children and grown-ups are invited to engage in a creative activity: drawing their own "free bird." This exercise prompts individuals to visualize and share what makes them feel free, fostering deeper conversations about personal freedoms and aspirations.

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Additional Information

• Contributors: Jonathan Tucker and Tim Matheson lend their voices to bring the characters to life. Tim Matheson, with a career spanning over 60 years, is known for roles in National Lampoon's Animal House, The West Wing, and Virgin River. Jonathan Tucker has appeared in Kingdom, Parenthood, City on a Hill, and Westworld.
• Music and Sound Design: Original compositions by Eric Shyamalanis enhance the storytelling, while Sabina Hahn provides accompanying artwork, including a black-and-white coloring page available on WBUR's website.
• Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to join the Circle Round Club for exclusive content and to share their "free bird" creations, fostering a community of young storytellers and their families.

For more stories, activities, and resources, visit WBUR's Circle Round website.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Support for the Circle Round podcast comes from Indeed. Are you hiring with Indeed? Your search is over. Indeed doesn't just help you hire faster. 93% of employers agree that Indeed delivers the highest quality matches compared to other job sites, and listeners get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com CircleRound that's Indeed.com CircleRound terms and conditions apply. Need to hire? You need Indeed.

[Rebecca Shear]

Hi, Rebecca Scheer here with some really Fun News. On February 8th, Circle Round LIVE is coming to Symphony hall in Boston and you're invited. Join us for a live recording of two new episodes featuring me, composer Eric Shyamalonis, plus Boston Symphony Orchestra players and a star studded cast. Get your tickets [e-mail] CircleRound WBUR podcasts Boston what comes to mind when you hear the word freedom? The dictionary defines freedom as the power or right to act, speak or think like you want to, which makes freedom a very powerful thing. But the truth is, it's not always easy to come by, and we're about to meet a character who knows that truth all too well. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time today. Our story is called the Caged Bird. It's inspired by tales from Jewish and Persian lore. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including Tim Mathison and Jonathan Tucker. Grown ups. You may know Jonathan Tucker from hit TV shows like Kingdom, Parenthood, City on a Hill, Debris and Westworld. Tim Mathison is a 60 plus year veteran of film and television with well known roles in National Lampoon's Animal House, the West Wing, Heart of Dixie and most recently Virgin River. His new memoir is called Darn Glad to Meet yout. So circle around everyone for the Caged Bird. A young prince was strolling through the palace gardens when he heard something that stopped him in his trail tracks.

[Narrator]

That sounds like a parrot. I never see parrots around these parts. I must get a closer look.

[Rebecca Shear]

The prince cupped a hand to his ear and followed the sound to a towering elm tree. And there, perched on a low leafy branch, was indeed a parrot.

[Narrator]

My goodness, aren't you a pretty bird. Your feathers are every color of the rainbow and they sparkle and shine like the sun. What a perfect parrot you are.

[Parrot]

Perfect parrot. Perfect parrot.

[Narrator]

And you talk too well, you repeat anyway.

[Parrot]

Repeat anyway.

[Rebecca Shear]

As the prince gazed up at this magnificent creature, it suddenly occurred to him a parrot this special shouldn't have to fend for herself in the wild. She should live with him in the palace and be treated like royalty.

[Narrator]

Listen, you pretty bird. I'm just going to fetch a little something. Stay where you are and I'll be right back.

[Parrot]

Right back where you are.

[Rebecca Shear]

The prince spun around and raced to the garden shed. He grabbed a long handled net, then hit it behind his back as he returned to the elm tree.

[Narrator]

I'm back. Pretty bird. Aren't you a pretty bird?

[Parrot]

Pretty bird.

[Narrator]

Yes, you are. You're a very pretty bird.

[Parrot]

Very pretty. Very pretty.

[Rebecca Shear]

The prince inched closer and closer. Once he was so close that he could see his reflection in the parrot's bright, round eyes, he pulled out the net, held it up high, and with one quick swim.

[Narrator]

Gotcha.

[Rebecca Shear]

The bird was trapped.

[Narrator]

Don't worry, my pretty bird. From now on, you're gonna be mine. All mine. I shall keep you with me in my room. And trust me, you will be the happiest bird who ever lived.

[Rebecca Shear]

Back at the palace, the prince ordered the royal goldsmith to craft a sparkling golden cage. He ordered the royal tailor to sew a miniature satin pillow. And he ordered the cook to prepare a platter of fresh fruit and vegetables. Then he gave all of these gifts to his new pet. For the first time in her life, the parrot had a safe, secure home. A soft, cushy bed, an ample amount of food that she didn't need to gather herself. So, what do you think? Was she now the happiest bird who ever lived? The answer, I'm afraid, is no. In those rare moments when she was alone in the prince's room, she would hang her rainbow head and bemoan her lot.

[Parrot]

Oh, the prince lavishes me with so many luxuries. Yet the one thing I want is the one thing I cannot have. Freedom. Oh, if only I could sing with the other birds again and fly with the other birds again. But, alas, I am a prisoner of this golden cage.

[Rebecca Shear]

The parrot did not share her feelings with the prince. Instead, she acted like everything was fine, making her usual calls and squawks and repeating snippets of conversation, just as she always did. A few months passed, and one afternoon, the king came to the prince's room to share some news.

[King]

My dear son, I have been called away to another royal summit the kingdom to the south will be hosting this time around. The rulers of all neighboring lands are expected there next week so we can discuss business.

[Narrator]

Business? How dreadfully boring.

[Parrot]

Dreadfully boring business.

[King]

Perhaps you'd like me to bring this bird with me so you can enjoy some peace and quiet for Once.

[Parrot]

Peace and quiet for once.

[Narrator]

Papa, you know I never let this bird out of her cage. And I never let this cage out of my room.

[King]

I was only kidding. I know how attached you are to this creature. But tell me, son, shall I bring you a souvenir from my trip? Like another bird to keep this one company?

[Parrot]

Another bird keep company?

[Narrator]

Don't be ridiculous, Papa. My parrot doesn't need company. She doesn't need anything. I've given her everything a bird could want.

[King]

Very well, son. Very well. Now, head down to the banquet hall, won't you? We are having an early supper so I can prepare for my journey. I'll be with you shortly.

[Narrator]

Of course, Papa. Bye bye, pretty bird.

[Parrot]

Bye bye.

[Rebecca Shear]

Once the prince pranced out the door, the king flashed the parrot a grin.

[King]

Boy, oh boy, My son sure is fond of you. He rarely lets you out of his sight.

[Parrot]

Out of his sight? Fond of you.

[King]

Look, I know you probably don't understand a word I'm saying, but while I'm away, will you keep an eye on the Prince for me? It's always hard to leave him. He's my one and only child, and he's growing up so fast. I feel like I want to hold on to every moment before he spreads his wings and flies away. You know what I'm talking about, right?

[Parrot]

I do and I don't.

[Rebecca Shear]

The king froze.

[King]

What did you say?

[Parrot]

I said I do and I don't.

[King]

My goodness. I had no idea you actually spoke. I thought you just repeated things.

[Parrot]

We birds all speak when someone is worth speaking to.

[King]

Hmm. I suppose that makes sense. But when you say you do and you don't, what do you mean by that?

[Parrot]

Well, you said that one day the prince will spread his wings and fly away. Then you asked if I knew what you were talking about. And I do know. Just not anymore.

[King]

You mean because you aren't able to spread your wings and fly away?

[Parrot]

Precisely. Your Majesty, will you do me a favor?

[King]

If you're going to ask me to set you free, the answer is no. Unless my son agrees. And you know he never would.

[Parrot]

I do know. Which is why I'm asking a different face favor. When you set out on your travels, can you please deliver a message for me?

[King]

A message?

[Parrot]

Yes. If you happen to come across any parrots who look like me, will you tell them what my life is like?

[King]

Your life?

[Parrot]

Yes. Tell them how I live in a golden cage and I sleep on a satin pillow, and I'm given fruits and vegetables and all the attention one could want. Then ask them how I might find my happiness.

[Rebecca Shear]

The king frowned. He didn't like to think that the parrot was unhappy, but what else could he do? So the next day, when he set off for the kingdom to the south, he kept his eyes peeled for rainbow parrots with feathers that sparkled and shined like the sun. It wasn't until the summit was over and he was journeying back home that he found what he was looking for. As he traveled through a forest, he caught sight of another rainbow parrot, flitting and fluttering way up in the canopy. The king gazed up at the bird.

[King]

And called out, o parrot, good parrot, may I speak with you? I come bearing a message. It's from another rainbow parrot who lives in my palace.

[Rebecca Shear]

To the king's delight, the parrot dove down and settled on a branch directly overhead.

[King]

Thank you, parrot. This other parrot of which I speak, like I said, she lives in my palace. Her appearance is very similar to yours, but her life is nothing like yours. This parrot spends her days in a golden cage, not in a green forest. She sleeps on a satin cushion, not a nest. She is given the freshest of foods, but doesn't search for her own. She is given protection and safety and all the attention in the world, but she cannot spread her wings and fly. So, good parrot, this bird who lives in my palace, she wants to know one thing. How might she find her happiness?

[Rebecca Shear]

The parrot was quiet. Very quiet. He turned his eyes upwards as if he was deep in thought. And then he did something that surprised the king so much you could have knocked him over with a feather. What do you think the bird in the forest did to stun the king? We'll find out what it was after a quick break. If you're a Circle Round superfan, we've got a super fun opportunity for you. Join the Circle Round Club and you'll support our public radio podcast. And as this happy member raves, get cool stuff, too.

[Child Listener]

My grandfather bought me a Circle Round membership last Christmas. I really like it because we get a stuffed lion and a reusable bag, which we use all the time for library books. I also enjoy the birthday message from Rebecca Shear.

[Rebecca Shear]

Grownups, sign up your superfan [e-mail] CircleRoundClub. Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Today our story is called the Caged Bird. Before the break, the prince's rainbow parrot asked the king for a favor. Should he encounter any other rainbow parrots during his upcoming travels, could he please tell them about her life in the palace and ask how she might Find her happiness. The king did as requested. He delivered the message to one of the parrot's relatives in a forest. And at first, this other bird did nothing. He just sat on a branch, gazing upwards, as if deep in thought. But then he began to shiver and tremble. Then the bird went completely limp and plummeted to the ground. The surprised king rushed over to the fallen parrot. The bird wasn't breathing. He wasn't even moving. In fact, there were no signs of life whatsoever.

[King]

Oh, this poor, pitiful creature. Did he die of shock or a broken heart? Either way, I mustn't leave him here like this. I shall give him a proper burial.

[Rebecca Shear]

But the moment the king scooped up the parrot's motionless body, do you know what happened? The bird suddenly lifted his head, spread out his wings and flew off into the air. The parrot soared higher and higher until his rainbow body was just a tiny winged shape against the bright blue sky.

[King]

Well, what do you make of that? I, for one, have no idea. But I'll report everything to the prince's parrot. Perhaps she can make sense of this curious incident.

[Rebecca Shear]

The king hastened back to the palace. The prince was out for a swim when he arrived, so he took the opportunity to creep into his son's room. The moment the parrot laid eyes on the king, she bobbed up and down in her golden cage.

[Parrot]

Your Majesty, you're back. Were you able to track down one of my relatives and deliver my message?

[King]

I was and I did, but.

[Parrot]

But what? Why do you hesitate?

[King]

Well, when I delivered your message, I'm afraid your relative didn't deliver a message back.

[Parrot]

What do you mean? Can you tell me what happened?

[Rebecca Shear]

The king took a breath and described his encounter in the forest. When he was done, the parrot sat in her cage, silent and still on her perch.

[King]

I'm sorry I didn't bring happier news, my friend. But at least your relative survived and could spread his wings and fly away.

[Rebecca Shear]

The parrot said nothing. She just hung her head and buried it in her feathers. She stayed that way for the rest of the day. She wouldn't eat, she wouldn't drink. She wouldn't even repeat snippets of conversation. By nightfall, the prince was beside himself with worry.

[Narrator]

What's wrong with you, my pretty bird? I had the cook serve you the ripest berries. I had the tailor show you an even softer pillow. I opened every single window to give you more fresh air. And yet you just sit there brooding. Are you tired? Are you sick? Are you?

[Rebecca Shear]

The prince fell silent because all of a sudden the parrot's body shivered and Trembled, then went limp. Next thing the prince knew, the bird went tumbling off her perch.

[Narrator]

My pretty bird, what's happening? Get up. Will you get up.

[Rebecca Shear]

But the parrot did not get up. And as the prince took a closer look, he noticed she wasn't breathing. She wasn't even moving. In fact, there were no sounds, signs of life whatsoever.

[Narrator]

Come on, my pretty bird. Get up. Get up.

[Rebecca Shear]

The commotion caught the ear of the king, who came racing down the corridor.

[King]

What's going on, son? Are you all right?

[Narrator]

It's my bird, Papa. I don't think she's all right. Look.

[Rebecca Shear]

The prince pointed a quivering finger at the golden cage.

[King]

Oh, dear. Seems this parrot went the way of her cousin.

[Narrator]

Went the way of her what?

[King]

Oh, nothing, nothing. I'm sorry for your loss, son. We should give this parrot a proper burial, don't you think?

[Rebecca Shear]

The king undid the cage's latch and reached inside. But when he scooped the parrot's motionless body into his hands, do you know what happened? All of a sudden, she lifted her head, beat her wings, and began swooping around the room, much to the prince's astonishment.

[Narrator]

What is the meaning of this? How did you die, then? Come back to life, my pretty bird.

[Parrot]

But I'm not your pretty bird. Not anymore.

[King]

What?

[Narrator]

I had no idea you actually spoke. But regardless, you. You are my pretty bird. I captured you in the garden, and I've been giving you the royal treatment ever since. Think of all the fresh food I've given you. The comfy pillows, the golden cage.

[Rebecca Shear]

The parrot glided toward the window and perched down on the sill.

[Parrot]

Don't you see, Prince? The finest food and pillows and cage in the whole wide world are no good. No good at all if I don't have freedom. Freedom to eat what I want, sleep where I want, fly where I want. And now I will have freedom, thanks to the message I received from my cousin in the forest.

[Rebecca Shear]

The prince's brow wrinkled in confusion.

[Narrator]

Your cousin in the forest? Papa, do you have any idea what this bird is talking about?

[Rebecca Shear]

The king smiled.

[King]

Yes, son, I believe I do. You see, on my travels, I found another rainbow parrot in the forest. I asked him how this parrot might find happiness. The bird in the forest responded by pretending to die and then flying away. He didn't say anything, but I now realize he didn't need to.

[Parrot]

That's right, your Majesty. After all, sometimes the best answers are given without a word spoken.

[Rebecca Shear]

And with that, the parrot spread her rainbow wings and flew out the window, soaring away from the palace and into the great wide world beyond. Beyond a Free Bird at last, now it's your turn. We all have the right to freedom. To remind yourself that you are and should be free, you can make your own free bird. Find a piece of paper and draw the outline of any kind of bird you'd like. Inside your outline, draw one or more things that make you feel free. Is it riding your bike? Being able to read your favorite books? Perhaps it's the conversations you have with friends and family where you can openly share your opinions and ideas. Once you've finished drawing your free bird, show it to someone you have fun with. And if you'd like, show it to us. Grown ups. Snap a photo of your Circle Round fan and their free bird and email it to circleroundbur.org with your permission, we may include it in the Lion's Roar, the monthly newsletter of the Circle Round Club. You can learn more about this super fun opportunity for super fans like you on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound this week's episode the Caged Bird was adapted by me, Rebecca. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shyamalanis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all of our Circle Round stories and you can print them out and color them in while you listen. Grown ups. Visit our website WBUR.org CircleRound and click on coloring pages. Special thanks to this week's actors Jonathan Tucker and Tim Matheson. Over his 60 plus year career, Tim Matheson has starred in well known movies and TV shows like National Lampoon's Animal House, the West Wing, Heart of Dixie and most recently Virgin River. His new memoir is called Darn Glad to Meet yout. Jonathan Tucker's credits include memorable roles in such television programs as Kingdom, Parenthood, City on a Hill, Debris and Westworld. Our featured instrument this week was the Suntour. You can learn more about this stringed Persian instrument and see a photo of Eric Shyamalanis playing one on our website. Again, that's WBUR.org CircleRound Grown Ups. If you enjoy Circle Round, please leave us a five star review on your favorite podcast app. It helps other listeners find the show. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Our handle is irk. Circle Round Podcast Circle Round is a production of wbur, Boston's NPR News station. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Thanks for circling Round with us. Now that you've made it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we want to know what's your favorite Circle Round story. Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Round story stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Child Listener]

My name is Comrade, I live in Australia in Rollout Creek and my favorite story that Olga just made Granny Snowstorm and he just found a bucket of coins. My name is Janae, I live in Sunnyvale, California and my favorite circle Round story is the Sorcerer's Offer. Because I like the part when the sorcerer offers the girl three wishes. My name is Noah, I live in mountaintop, Pennsylvania. My favorite Circle Round story is the Friendship. My favorite part is where the boat doesn't move. My name is Aviva and I'm from Oneonta, New York. And my favorite Circle Round story is the Crystal Story Box. And my favorite part is when the sky goddess is so surprised that the spider got the snake and the bee. My name's Josie, I'm from Providence World Island. My favorite Tokyo World story is why the ocean is salty cause I like the pouch well the magic jowl makes the odor bridles sink into the ocean. My name is Miriam, I live in Cabins, Rhode island and my family My name's Joey, called the Pool Pablo and I raised the pup when Daisy turned into an outlaw. My name is Lachlan, we live in Sodom Valley and my favorite Circle Round is My Wister.

[Rebecca Shear]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry, grown ups. You can find all of our Circle Round stories plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages, and oh so much more on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound.