"History Lesson" Poetry Quiz

The poem reflects history by using imagery that contrasts life in Mississippi before and after —

• a hurricane
• The Great Depression
• desegregation
• summer

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

In lines 7 and 8, the poet uses a simile that has the ironic effect of making the minnows seem —

• curious
• threatening
• beautiful
• humourous

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which of these best states the poem’s theme?

• Although children may disagree with their elders, family bonds remain strong.
• Sentiment is a waste of time and energy.
• Progress can be judged only by an impartial observer.
• Even in the midst of historic change, some things remain constant.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Read these lines from the poem.
I am four in this photograph, standing on a wide strip of Mississippi beach, my hands on the flowered hips of a bright bikini. . . .
In these lines, the poet’s tone can best be described as —

• nostalgic
• strident
• apologetic
• reverent

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

In lines 14 and 15, the “narrow plot/ of sand” can be best interpreted as symbolic of —

• the speaker’s lack of empathy for her grandmother’s situation
• the grandmother’s restricted opportunities
• the grandmother’s limited perspective
• the speaker’s refusal to be bound to the past

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

In line 12, the reader can infer that the speaker uses the pronoun “us” to refer to —

• African Americans
• the general public
• her extended family
• young women

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1