Freedom's Song (Poetry)

What is the central theme of the poem?

• • the challenges of living in the United States

• • the evolving and enduring nature of freedom

• • the importance of following rules in society

• • the power of music to bring people together

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

What does the line “The stars on the flag dance at dusk” suggest about freedom?

• (a)  

• Freedom is a dynamic and living concept.
• Freedom is unpredictable and chaotic.
• Freedom is rigid and unchanging.
• Freedom is fleeting and temporary.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

How does the imagery in “a mosaic of tongues” contribute to the poem’s meaning?

• • It highlights the diversity of languages and cultures in the United States.

• • It describes the difficulty of communicating in a large country.

• • It suggests that freedom is best expressed through art.

• • It emphasizes the need for unity over individual expression.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

What tone does the poet use to describe freedom in the United States?

• ​ (a)  

• Hopeful and reverent
• Critical and dismissive
• Detached and indifferent
• Sad and regretful

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

Why does the poet describe freedom as “the rhythm of footsteps marching toward justice”?

• • to emphasize the sound of soldiers during wartime

• • to suggest that freedom is a natural and effortless process

• • to show how freedom requires constant movement and effort

• • to highlight the slow progress of societal change

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

• What can the reader infer about the poet’s view of freedom in the United States?

• • Freedom is a fixed achievement of the past.

• • Freedom is only meaningful to certain groups of people.

• • Freedom is too complicated to define clearly.

• • Freedom is a continuing journey that involves everyone.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

Why does the poet use free verse to write this poem?

• • to reflect the unrestricted nature of freedom

• • to create a formal tone for discussing freedom

• • to make the poem easier for readers to analyze

• • to emphasize the lack of rules in society

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

What does the “echo of a bell that refuses to crack” symbolize in the poem?

• • the fragile nature of democracy

• • the enduring strength of freedom and justice

• • the importance of preserving historical landmarks

• • the sound of progress breaking barriers

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

How does the imagery in the first stanza compare to the imagery in the final stanza?

• • The first stanza focuses on the simplicity of freedom, while the final stanza emphasizes its complexity.

• • Both stanzas highlight the shared joy of freedom.

• Both stanzas focus on the physical symbols of freedom.

• • The first stanza describes past struggles for freedom, while the final stanza reflects on future hopes.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RL.4.7

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

What is the poet’s main message about freedom in the United States?

• • Freedom is a privilege that requires no effort to maintain.

• • Freedom is an unfinished journey that grows stronger with each generation.

• • Freedom is a simple concept understood by everyone.

• • Freedom is best achieved through silence and compliance.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2