Poetry Review

Poetry Review

Multiple Choice

Which of the following identifies the theme of poem?

• Parents often treat their kids like adults, forcing them to grow up too soon.

• Kids are often expected to stay kids forever.

• When kids take on more responsibility, they grow up faster.

• Adults are not as compassionate or selfless as kids.

Multiple Choice

Which lines from the poem best support the answer to Part A?

• “my / mother has called me ‘an old soul.’ / I never understood.” (Lines 1-3)

• “now that our family has / dwindled to just Mom and us kids, I’ve grown / into a man” (Lines 3-5)

• “‘David, dig deep,’ / is the whisper in my ear.” (Lines 5-6)

• “I try to be the / raft that helps carry them over this life’s rough rivers.” (Lines 7-8)

Multiple Choice

How does the phrase “You do what you have to” contribute to the tone of the poem (Line 5)?

• It develops a frustrated tone, as the speaker has no control over his situation.

• It conveys an angry tone, as the speaker refuses to change his situation.

• It introduces a resigned tone, as the speaker accepts his new responsibilities.

• It establishes a proud tone, as the speaker feels good about his new responsibilities.

Open Ended

How does the figurative language in the last three lines of the poem contribute to its overall meaning?