Poems: Mother to Son

Who is the speaker in this poem?

• The house

• The poet

• The mother

• The son

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

From whose point of view is this poem written?

• The house

• The mother

• The son

• The poet

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

What two things does the poem compare?

• The son's life and a dark room

• The speaker's hopes and a dark room

• The speaker's life and a staircase

• The son's dreams and a staircase

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

What message does the poet convey throughout the poem?

• Life is always a struggle for the poor, but it is much easier for rich people.

• Even in a house with no carpet and broken stairs, one can succeed and be happy.

• The best things in life are guaranteed to those who work hard.

• One must have determination and courage when confronting life's struggles.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

What is the main effect of words like "reachin' landin's" and "a-climbin'" in lines 9 and 10?

• They add humor to lighten the mood.

• They show how tired the speaker is.

• They help the poem sound like natural speech.

• They help the reader understand how old the son is.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

Read line 2 of the poem.

Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

This line means that--

• the speaker has taken life one step at a time.

• life has not been easy for the speaker.

• life has been dull for the speaker.

• the speaker does not like crystal stairs.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.5

Which conclusion about the speaker is best supported by the poem?

• Although the speaker is angry that her life has been so difficult, she keeps climbing.

• The speaker is weak and exhausted and cannot climb anymore.

• The speaker has strength and courage to persevere through all of life's struggles.

• The speaker is bitter that her life has not been like a crystal stair.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

Which word best describes a crystal stair?

• Dangerous

• Glamorous

• Fragile

• Strong

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.5

Which of the following best conveys the theme of the poem?

• Keep your balance.

• Rest often in life.

• Always succeed in life.

• Do not ever quit.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

What character traits or values does the mother possess?

• Arrogance and courage

• Fearfulness and shyness

• Anger and resentment

• Patience and strength

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3