The Rights to the Streets of Memphis (Pre-Reading)

Author Richard Wright's life began in poverty. His father abandoned his family when Wright was young, and his mother had to support the family. She became ill, and the family was forced to move frequently, so Wright attended school irregularly and dropped out of school early. Growing up, he read voraciously, and in his adult years, he gained acclaim for his powerful writing. ---- Based on the evidence in this passage, what can you infer?

• Wright was illiterate because he dropped out of school early and did not receive a proper education.

• Wright educated himself by reading widely, and this helped him become a great writer.

• Wright's mother taught him to write well.

Author Richard Wright moved to France as an adult in the 1940s to get away from the racism he experienced in the United States. He settled in Paris and lived there until his death. ---- Based on this passage, what can you infer?

• The racism Wright experienced in France was just as bad as it was in the United States.

• Wright experienced less racism in France.

• It was easy for Americans to get French citizenship in the 1940s.

When an author gives human characteristics to something that is non-living, this type of figurative language is called PERSONIFICATION. Which of the following is an example of personification?

• The wind blew through the forest.

• The wind screamed through the forest.

When an author uses figurative language that compares one thing to another using "like" or "as," this is known as a SIMILE. Which of the following (1) is a simile and (2) conveys extreme hunger?

• I was very hungry, as I often am.

• She ate like a bird.

• She was a bear at dinner.

• I'm as hungry as a bear.

When an author uses figurative language that compares one thing to another without using "like" or "as," this is a METAPHOR. Which of the following is a metaphor that has a negative connotation (negative feeling)?

• My brother is a swamp monster.

• My brother is irritating.

• My brother is like a lazy sloth.

• My brother is an angel.

What is a word/phrase that could replace CLAMOR in the following sentence: " Whenever I begged for food now my mother would pour me a cup of tea which would still the clamor in my stomach for a moment or two; but a little later I would feel hunger nudging my ribs, twisting my empty guts until they ached."

• emptiness

• loud noise

• food-filled

In the following phrase, what context clues help you determine the meaning of the word DISPIRITED? "When she returned at evening she would be tired and dispirited and would cry a lot."

• returned at evening

• she, and

• she would be

• tired, cry a lot

What word/phrase is closest in meaning to RETALIATE?

• fight back

• resist

• give up

• argue

Which word is closest in meaning to STARK in the following sentence? "I flayed with tears in my eyes, teeth clenched, stark fear making me throw every ounce of strength behind each blow."

• minimal

• slight

• extreme

• moderate

What is the meaning of RIGHT in the following sentence? "That night I won the right to the streets of Memphis."

• a direction; the opposite of left

• morally good

• conservative group

• privilege