A Dream Deferred

Front

What does it mean when a dream is 'deferred'?

Back

A dream that is 'deferred' is one that has been postponed or delayed.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

Front

What is a simile?

Back

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What does the phrase 'like a raisin in the sun' suggest about a dream?

Back

It suggests that a dream may dry up or wither away if it is not nurtured.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

Front

What is the main idea of the poem 'A Dream Deferred'?

Back

The main idea is that it is difficult for people to keep their dreams alive, especially when they are delayed.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

Front

What does the poet mean by 'Does it stink like rotten meat?'

Back

This line suggests that a deferred dream can become unpleasant or burdensome over time.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

Front

What is the significance of the question 'What happens to a dream deferred?'

Back

It raises the issue of the consequences of postponing one's aspirations.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

Front

How can a dream become a 'heavy load'?

Back

A postponed dream can weigh heavily on a person, causing stress and disappointment.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

What does the poet imply about dreams that are not fulfilled?

Back

The poet implies that unfulfilled dreams can lead to feelings of frustration and loss.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

Front

What literary device is used in the line 'Maybe it just sags'?

Back

This line uses a simile to compare a deferred dream to a heavy load.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

Front

What does the phrase 'syrupy sweet' imply about dreams?

Back

It suggests that dreams can be appealing and desirable, but may also become overwhelming.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5