Speech to the YOUNG

From the title of this poem, the reader can infer that the —

• speaker is an older person

• speech was written long ago

• speech was given at a school

• speaker has made many mistakes

What is the main theme of the poem?

• It is important to be cautious at all times.

• Life is too short to worry about the future.

• Life means different things to different people.

• Stay positive and don’t dwell on the past.

The poet establishes an informal voice by using —

• a rigid structure

• frequent line breaks

Read line 2 of the poem.

say to the down-keepers,

The poet is most likely referring to people who —

• do not think of the future

• struggle to succeed in life

• are discouraging to others

• believe life should be easy

Read lines 2–5 of the poem. The figurative language in these lines affects the
message of the poem by —

• drawing attention to those with negative outlooks

• drawing attention to examples of worrying behavior

• painting a vivid image of people that should be avoided

• painting a vivid image of how to address negative people

What is the central message presented in lines 10–11?

• Look to the past to learn how to live in the future.

• Do not focus too intensely on the past or the future.

• Be proud of your accomplishments, but do not dwell on them.

• Remember your mistakes, but do not allow them to hinder you.

What is the main theme of the poem?

• It is important to be cautious at all times.

• Life is too short to worry about the future.

• Life means different things to different people.

• Stay positive and don’t dwell on the past.

What is the main theme of the poem?

• It is important to be cautious at all times.

• Life is too short to worry about the future.

• Life means different things to different people.

• Stay positive and don’t dwell on the past.

Read lines 2–5 of the poem.

say to the down-keepers,

the sun-slappers,

the self-soilers,

the harmony-hushers,

The figurative language in these lines affects the message of the poem by —

• drawing attention to those with negative outlooks

• drawing attention to examples of worrying behavior

• painting a vivid image of people that should be avoided

• painting a vivid image of how to address negative people

Read lines 2–5 of the poem.

say to the down-keepers,

the sun-slappers,

the self-soilers,

the harmony-hushers,

The figurative language in these lines affects the message of the poem by —

• drawing attention to those with negative outlooks

• drawing attention to examples of worrying behavior

• painting a vivid image of people that should be avoided

• painting a vivid image of how to address negative people