Text Dependent Question Quiz- Mother to Son

In the poem, who is speaking to whom, and about what?

• A mother is telling a story to her child about her own childhood.
• A mother is speaking to her son about climbing a crystal staircase.
• A son is recounting a conversation his mother had with him about the general struggle towards earning a comfortable living.
• A mother is warning her son about the difficulties of life and the struggle to persevere.

What is the central metaphor utilized in the poem?

• The narrator describes a laborious climb up a decrepit staircase, a figurative depiction of her ongoing struggles in life.
• The narrator compares a crystal staircase to her own life, symbolic of her own goals and the struggle towards them.
• The narrator describes her ascension up a poorly-kept staircase which transforms into a crystal one, representing her strive to rise above difficulties.
• The narrator describes herself going down a decrepit staircase, a figurative depiction of her continued problems.

PART A: Which of the following statements best describes the theme of the poem?

• Never forget your family.
• Persevere when life isn't easy.
• Hope is the answer to all challenges.
• Respect your elders.

PART B: Which of the following quotes best supports the answer to Part A?“Well, 

• “Well, son, I’ll tell you: / Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” (Lines 1-2)
• “I’se been a-climbin’ on, / And reachin' landin's, / and turnin’ corners” (Lines 9-11)
• “Don’t you set down on the steps / ‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.” (Lines 15-16)
• “Don’t you fall now — / For I’se still goin’, honey” (Lines 17-18)

Using evidence from the poem, explain the narrator’s perspective on persistence, struggle, and the American Dream, especially in context of the author’s and the text’s relation to the Harlem Renaissance.

• That it is an upward battle, one which many may not achieve for most if not all of their lives prejudice and disadvantages black people faced in his time, including his own mother, making it even more difficult for this group to obtain the elusive American Dream 
• Everybody has an opportunity to live the American Dream if they want.
• The Harlem Renaissance was a great time and no one struggled
• The author didnt live during the Harlem Renaissance, so this poem is just made up from his imagination.

In the context of this poem, how do people overcome adversity? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

• People overcome adversity by blaming others for their situation.
• People overcome adversity when they dont sit down when life gets hard, but they keep striving.
• People overcome adversity when the government gives them tax breaks.
• People overcome adversity when they take from others like Robin Hood.