Genre
Autobiography
Setting and Context
Set in the 1950s in New York City.
Narrator and Point of View
First-person narration from Jennings’s point of view.
Tone and Mood
Heartbreaking, Bleak, Inspiring, Hopeful
Protagonist and Antagonist
Jennings Michael Burch is the protagonist and the foster care system is the antagonist.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is the protagonist’s lost childhood by going through the foster care system due to his parent’s incompetence. Jennings’ ability to show compassion and face adversities allows him to be hopeful despite the odds being against him at all times.
Climax
The climax in the story reaches when Jennings meets with Sal at the zoo and he begins taking care of their family.
Foreshadowing
Jennings’s constant relocation in the foster care system is foreshadowed by Mrs. Burch's unstable behaviors and vices.
Understatement
N/A
Allusions
The title which refers to the act of caging animals for their safety alludes to the foster care system that locks the children up for their protection.
Imagery
“The room was long and narrow. On one side, separated by dark doorways, were small pink lights very close to the floor. They lit the bottom part of the room, making the top part seem dark and endless. Along the other wall, running the entire length of the room, was a row of beds, every two separated by barred windows.”
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
The narrative parallels Burch’s parents and the Carpenters showcasing their iniquities and shortcomings in raising the children under their custody. Though the Carpenters offer foster services, it is for selfish reasons and they are as destructive as Jennings’s parents.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
“After he breaks my good china”
Personification
“The light of rain suddenly turned heavy, very heavy. It slapped against the wall of glass doors. A clap of lighting followed by a roll of thunder…”
