The Negro Speaks of Rivers

How does the repeating structure of this stanza (I + verb) contribute to the meaning of the poem?

• By connecting the speaker to historical rivers

• By describing how rivers have changed over time

• By showing why the rivers can cause people to dream

• By explaining why the speaker has abandoned the rivers

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

What does the phrase when dawns were young in line 5 most likely suggest?

• The earth was still new.

• The days did not last as long.

• The speaker was a child then.

• The speaker can barely remember.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RL.7.4

Reread the line from the poem below:

“I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.”

What is the meaning of lulled as it is used here?

• Calmed

• Tricked

• Frightened

• Defended

Tags

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.RL.7.4

Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1864, abolishing slavery in the United States. How does the allusion to Lincoln in these lines contribute to their meaning?

• By explaining how the river was discovered

• By explaining the pain that the river has caused

• By explaining the best time of day to visit the river

• By explaining why the river has become a site of celebration

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RL.7.2

What is a theme of the poem?

• History can be changed.

• Nature presents unique dangers.

• Travel can inspire with new ideas.

• People are connected to the past.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

How does the poet develop this theme?

• By warning about the force of different rivers

• By connecting humanity and rivers to different periods of time

• By describing different trips one can take around the world

• By arguing for a different understanding of historical events

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

The speaker feels a deep connection to...

• the future

• the rivers

• the ancient cities

• the earth

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

Another theme of this poem is...

• the past can only drag us down

• we are connected through our heritage, culture, and ancestors

• getting older makes you think of rivers

• our past is more important than our future

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which phrase uses vivid imagery?

• My soul has grown deep like the rivers

• I've seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset

• I've known rivers

• When Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RL.7.4

The rivers are compared to ____ in a simile.

• a sunset

• a song

• blood in human veins

• a train

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RL.7.4