Mother to Son

Front

What does the term 'persevering' mean in the context of a character's traits?

Back

Persevering means showing persistence and determination in the face of difficulties.

Front

What does the phrase 'Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair' imply about the mother's life?

Back

It implies that her life has not been easy or smooth, but rather filled with challenges.

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

Front

What is the major theme of the poem 'Mother to Son'?

Back

The major theme is to persevere when life isn't easy.

Front

Why is a stairway an appropriate metaphor for life in the poem?

Back

A stairway represents the ups and downs of life and the persistence needed to climb it.

Front

What does the word 'allusion' mean?

Back

An allusion is a reference to another work of literature, person, or event.

Front

What does 'personification' mean in literature?

Back

Personification is a figure of speech where human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts.

Front

What does 'hyperbole' mean?

Back

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.

Front

What is the significance of using imagery in poetry?

Back

Imagery helps create vivid pictures in the reader's mind, enhancing the emotional experience of the poem.

Front

What does 'theme' refer to in literature?

Back

The theme is the central idea or message that the author wants to convey through the work.