Speech to the Young... / Mother to Son

What does the speaker in “Speech to the Young” suggest that the young should do?

• speak up

• move quickly

• show kindness

• mind their manners

Which line from “Speech to the Young” contains alliteration?

• “Say to them,”

• “the harmony-hushers,”

• “You will be right.”

• “Live not for battles won.”

The speaker in “Speech to the Young” points out that the statement in lines 6–7

• may hurt people’s feelings

• will start a conversation

• can be confusing

• is always true

In “Speech to the Young,” which line helps you infer that the speaker believes in focusing on the present?

• “say to the down-keepers,”

• “You will be right.”

• “For that is the hard home-run.”

• “Live not for the end-of-the-song.”

What attitude does the speaker in “Speech to the Young” seem to have toward young people?

• disappointment over their actions

• concern for their future

• anger over their meekness

• relief about their worry-free lives

In lines 2–7 of the lyric poem “Mother to Son,” the speaker expresses her feelings about

• her childhood home

• the need to forgive

• past events in her life

• her dreams for her son

Reread lines 15–16 of “Mother to Son.” The speaker is suggesting that her son should avoid

• giving up when faced with challenges

• blocking the progress of other people

• letting other people see him rest

• responding to hard work with laziness

The speaker in “Mother to Son” most likely would describe herself as

• timid

• fortunate

• determined

• short-tempered

Which line from “Mother to Son” contains assonance?

• “And splinters,”

• “I’se been a-climbin’ on,”

• “And turnin’ corners,”

• “Don’t you fall now—”

In both poems, the speakers seem to base their advice on

• popular viewpoints

• their own experiences

• past family mistakes

• quick decisions