Mother to Son Questions #2

How are the crystal stair and the speaker similar?

• The speaker thinks her path in life is as crystal clear as the path of the staircase she references in the poem.

• Like the purpose of a crystal staircase, the speaker views her life as a fragile and delicate staircase that must be traveled carefully.

• Though the speaker’s life has been one full of struggles, she values her life experiences as one would a crystal stair.

• Like the crystal staircase which is reflective and beautiful, the speaker’s life shares this same beauty and reflective quality.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.5

Which line from the poem best expresses the speaker’s sense of perseverance?

• Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

• And sometimes goin’ in the dark

• Don’t you fall now—

• For I’se still goin’, honey,

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

The use of an extended metaphor emphasizes that the --

• speaker gives good advice to her son

• speaker struggles in life but never gives up

• speaker enjoys climbing the crystal stairs

• speaker’s life is wasted because it is not like a crystal stair

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

In lines 3, 4, and 5, the speaker uses the words tacks, splinters, and boards to—    

• imply that obstacles are recurrent in life

• demonstrate the loss of a loved one

• emphasize the poor construction of her stairs

• highlight minor achievements in her life

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.5

The poet likely intends for the shift in tone to express the speaker’s—   

• regret over the struggles she has faced

• encouragement for her son to withstand life’s challenges

• willingness to climb the stairs

• anxiety over her son making the same mistakes as she has

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.5

With which statement would the speaker most likely agree?   

• When faced with a challenge, giving up is unacceptable.

• It isn't fair that some people have it easy while others must struggle.

• The speaker’s son is too weak to withstand the challenges of life.

• The challenges of life can cause people to lose motivation.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

Readers can conclude that the speaker is –  

• Nervous and doubtful

• Self-confident and assured

• Naïve and inexperienced

• Sarcastic and skeptical

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4