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.

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.W.7.9A

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,

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CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.W.7.9A

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

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.4

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

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CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.4

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

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CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.4

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.

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CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

Readers can conclude that the speaker is –  

• Nervous and doubtful

• Self-confident and assured

• Naïve and inexperienced

• Sarcastic and skeptical

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CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RL.7.1