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.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

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.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

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.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

The speaker feels a deep connection to...

• the future

• the rivers

• the ancient cities

• the earth

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

The rivers are compared to ____ in a simile.

• a sunset

• a song

• blood in human veins

• a train

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5