Hanging Fire/Summer of Fourteenth Year

In “Hanging Fire,” what does the poet imply by repeating and momma’s in the bedroom / with the door closed at the end of each stanza?

• The speaker thinks her mother is lonely.

• The speaker wants to open the door and surprise her mother.

• The speaker feels isolated from her mother and is lonely.

• The speaker is proud that she can take care of herself without her mother.

In “Hanging Fire,” how does the poet’s use of free verse develop the voice of the speaker?

• The speaker sounds like she is a teen girl giving a formal speech at school.

• The speaker sounds like she is a teen girl discussing problems with a friend.

• The speaker sounds like she is a teen girl singing a song to prepare for a talent show.

• The speaker sounds like she is a teen girl describing her day to a parent.

In “Hanging Fire,” the poet uses the image of the closed door —.

• to describe the house where mother and daughter live

• as a symbol of isolation between mother and daughter

• as a simile that compares it to the daughter

• to describe the personality of the mother and her actions

In “Hanging Fire,” the poet describes the speaker’s fears and worries to give the reader insight into —.

• common experiences many teens face on a daily basis

• unique experiences only the mother can understand

• moments the speaker would only discuss with a true friend

• struggles that frustrate every parent of a teen

What does the poet imply about the speaker’s relationship to her son in “Summer of His Fourteenth Year”?

• The speaker feels more distant from her son during his teen years.

• The speaker helps her son pursue his interests during his teen years.

• The speaker listens to her son as he describes his problems during his teen years.

• The speaker does not mind cleaning up after her son during his teen years.

In “Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” the poet most likely uses varied line lengths in the poem to —.

• provide variety to interest a teen reader

• move the poem along at a consistent pace

• portray the changing moods of a teen

• speed the poem up to demonstrate closeness

In “Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” which statement best describes adolescent challenges based on lines 20–24?

• Teens might still rely on their mothers in times of need.

• Teens are embarrassed by their mothers throughout adolescence.

• Teens sometimes need a close connection to their mothers.

• Teens try to grow up by pulling away from their mothers.

Which two characteristics of poetry are used in “Summer of His Fourteenth Year”?

• Onomatopoeia

• Metaphor

• Slant rhyme

• Iambic pentameter

• Formal verse

The two points of view in the poems emphasize the challenges of adolescence by —.

• showing teens’ desire to be independent from the teens’ perspectives

• illustrating teens’ thought process from an omniscient point of view

• showing teens’ and parents’ struggle with the transition to adulthood

• illustrating how parents feel frustrated by teens from a parent’s perspective

Which two statements describe ideas about life that are developed in both poems?

• Distance exists between a parent and child during adolescence.

• Life can be more unfair for children and adults than teens.

• Growing up can be an emotionally challenging process.

• Music can be an outlet for emotions during the teen years.

• Dealing with interfering parents can be part of being a teen.