History Lesson by Natasha Trethewey

8D The poem reflects history by using imagery that contrasts life in Mississippi before and after —

• A hurricane

• the Great Depression

• desegregation

• summer

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CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

4F In lines 7 and 8, the poet uses a simile that has the ironic effect of making the minnows seem —

• curious

• threatening

• beautiful

• humorous

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CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

4F 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.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

4F

• nostalgic

• strident

• apologetic

• reverent

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CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

5C

• 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

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CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

5C

• African Americans

• the general public

• her extended family

• young women

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2