Ode to Thanks & Mother to Son

1. Which theme is most clearly developed in "Mother to Son"? (Target 1)

• A. Wealth and success are indicators (a sign) of a happy life
• B. Relationships can be difficult to navigate (to handle)
• C. When facing a challenge, you must not shy away
• D. Everyone fails even if they try

2. How does the author use the metaphor of the staircase to develop the theme of the poem? (Target 3)

• A. By showing the stairway as a symbol of wealth and luxury
• B. By illustrating that life is a smooth and easy journey
• C. By using the staircase to show that life is full of obstacles but progress can still be made
• D. By depicting the stairway as an unreachable goal

3. Which line from the poem best supports the motif of perseverance? (Target 2)

• A. "Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair."
• B. "So boy, don’t you turn back."
• C. "And places with no carpet on the floor—Bare."
• D. "I’se still climbin’."

4. In "Mother to Son," what craft does the author use to reveal the motif of resilience (ability to persevere)? (Target 3)

• A. Character and dialogue
• B. Setting and mood
• C. Metaphor and imagery
• D. Plot and conflict

5. How does the mother's tone throughout the poem contribute to the development of the theme? (Target 3)

• A. Her tone is indifferent, showing that she no longer cares about her hardships.
• B. Her tone is hopeful and encouraging, reinforcing the idea of perseverance despite life's challenges.
• C. Her tone is fearful, suggesting she is unsure of how to move forward.
• D. Her tone is angry, reflecting her frustration with life’s difficulties.

6. What is the central theme of Neruda’s "Ode to Thanks"? (Target 1)

• A. Showing gratitude can solve lots of problems
• B. Conflict will always happen no matter what
• C. Personal success is more important than helping others
• D. Be proud of all the things you do

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

7. How does Neruda use imagery to support the theme of gratitude in "Ode to Thanks"? (Target 2)

• A. He describes a threatening world that is softened by the presence of thanks
• B. He uses violent imagery to emphasize the dangers of being ungrateful
• C. He compares gratitude to harsh elements of nature, like volcanoes
• D. He describes the power of thanks as insignificant (not important) compared to other emotions

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.W.8.9A

8. Which detail from the poem best conveys the transformative (the ability to change things) power of gratitude? (Target 2)

• A. "The world is a threatening place until thanks makes the rounds from one pair of lips to another."
• B. "A bit of brightness strikes into the forest, and we can sing again beneath the leaves."
• C. "Your light brightens the altar of harshness."
• D. "Merci rings out while the hustling train changes countries."

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.2

9. How does Neruda develop the theme of unity through gratitude in the poem? (Target 3)

• A. By emphasizing how gratitude travels through different languages and cultures
• B. By showing how people from the same culture share the same idea of gratitude
• C. By showing the differences in how various countries express gratitude
• D. By comparing gratitude to an immovable object

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

10. What role does the metaphor of the "table" play in developing the theme in "Ode to Thanks"? (Target 3)

• A. It represents the challenges people face in their daily lives
• B. It symbolizes how gratitude can bring people together
• C. It shows how gratitude is often ignored during meals
• D. It highlights the distance between cultures and their customs

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.4