Mother to Son - Poetry Quiz

In the poem, whom is the speaker addressing and about what? ( RL. 7.3)

• A mother is warning her son about the difficulties of life and the struggle to persevere.

• A mother is telling a story to her child about her own childhood.

• A mother is speaking to her son about climbing a crystal staircase.

• A son is recounting a conversation his mother had with him about the general struggle towards earning a comfortable living.

What is the central metaphor utilized in the poem? ( RL 7.5)

• The narrator describes herself going down a decrepit staircase, a figurative depiction of her continued problems.

• The narrator describes her climb up a dirty staircase which transforms into a crystal stair, which represents her ability to rise above difficulties.

• The narrator compares a crystal staircase to her own life, symbolic of her own goals and the struggle towards them.

• The narrator describes a tiring climb up a beat-up staircase, which represents her persistence through difficulties and struggles in life.

Which of the following statements best describes a major theme of the poem? (RL 7.2)

• Never forget your family.

• Persevere when life isn't easy.

• Hope is the answer to all challenges.

• Respect your elders.

Which excerpt from the poem best captures the speaker's message to her son? (RL 7.1)

• "I'se been a-climbin' on, / And reachin' landin's, / And turnin' corners" ( Lines 9-11)

• "Well, son, I'll tell you: / Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." (Lines 1-2)

• "It's had tacks in it, / And splinters, / And boards torn up, / And places with no carpet on the floor - / Bare." ( Lines 3-7)

• "So boy, don't you turn back. / Don't you set down on the steps / 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard. / Don't you fall now - / For I'se still goin', honey" ( Lines 14-18)

What message or theme does this poem express about dealing with challenges? Explain your answer. ( RL 7.2)

• The poem expresses the theme of persevering when life isn't easy when dealing with challenges.

• The poem expresses the theme of never forgetting your family when dealing with challenges.

• The poem expresses the theme of hope being the answer to all challenges.

• The poem expresses the theme of respecting your elders when dealing with challenges.

The speaker says, "life for me ain't been no crystal stair" (Line 20). What would a crystal staircase be - both literally and figuratively?

• A crystal staircase would be a beautiful and transparent staircase, symbolizing a life of clarity and ease.

• A crystal staircase would be a difficult and challenging staircase, symbolizing the struggles and obstacles in life.

• A crystal staircase would be an ancient and historical staircase, symbolizing the wisdom and experience gained in life.

• A crystal staircase would be a luxurious and expensive staircase, symbolizing a life of wealth and comfort.

In your opinion, do all Americans have equal access to the American Dream? What are some of the factors that could make it easier or harder to achieve happiness in America? Why do you think Harlem Renaissance writers focused on the American Dream?

• No, not all Americans have equal access to the American Dream. Factors such as socioeconomic status and systemic barriers can make it harder to achieve happiness in America. Harlem Renaissance writers focused on the American Dream to highlight the challenges and inequalities in society.

• Yes, all Americans have equal access to the American Dream. Factors such as hard work and determination make it easier to achieve happiness in America. Harlem Renaissance writers focused on the American Dream to inspire hope and optimism.

• Yes, all Americans have equal access to the American Dream. Factors such as education and talent make it easier to achieve happiness in America. Harlem Renaissance writers focused on the American Dream to celebrate the achievements and success of individuals.

• No, not all Americans have equal access to the American Dream. Factors such as luck and fate can make it harder to achieve happiness in America. Harlem Renaissance writers focused on the American Dream to emphasize the importance of perseverance and determination.

How do we achieve our goals or dreams? How does circumstance, status, and identity factor into this? In the context of this poem, how do people overcome adversity? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

• We achieve our goals or dreams through natural talent and ability. Circumstance, status, and identity have no influence on achieving our dreams. People overcome adversity by avoiding difficult situations and seeking comfort.

• We achieve our goals or dreams through connections and networking. Circumstance, status, and identity are the sole determinants of achieving our dreams. People overcome adversity by adapting to their circumstances and accepting their limitations.

• We achieve our goals or dreams through hard work and determination. Circumstance, status, and identity significantly impact our ability to achieve our dreams. People overcome adversity by persevering through challenges and setbacks.

• We achieve our goals or dreams through luck and chance. Circumstance, status, and identity play a minimal role in achieving our dreams. People overcome adversity by relying on external support and assistance.