To determine the best additional line that matches the tone of the stanza from “The Caged Bird,” we need to analyze the tone and imagery of the given stanza and compare it to the options provided.

Analysis of the Given Stanza

The stanza describes a free bird enjoying its liberty, with imagery of gentle breezes, soft trade winds, sighing trees, and bright lawns. The tone is serene and peaceful, emphasizing the bird’s freedom and contentment.

Comparing Options to the Stanza’s Tone

and he thunders through the stormy sky - This line introduces a sense of intensity and power, which contrasts with the calm and gentle tone of the original stanza.

and he drifts among the cottony clouds - This line maintains the peaceful and serene imagery, with the bird drifting gently, which aligns well with the tone of the original stanza.

and he charges past the sorrowing sky - This line introduces a negative emotion (sorrow) and action (charging), which does not match the positive and tranquil tone of the original stanza.

and he flies right through circular clouds - While this line maintains the theme of flight, the description of “circular clouds” does not strongly evoke the same peaceful imagery as the original stanza.

Conclusion

The line that best matches the tone of the original stanza is:

and he drifts among the cottony clouds

This line aligns with the peaceful and serene imagery of the original stanza, maintaining the theme of freedom and contentment without introducing contrasting emotions or actions.