Dance Mama, Dance

Which of the following best identifies the theme of the poem?

• Mothers often sacrifice a lot for their children's happiness.

• Children take for granted the things that their mothers do for them.

• Money is necessary to ensure happiness and security in families.

• Children do not often understand what their parents sacrifice for them.

Which quote from the text best supports the theme?

• “I saw you inspire revolution with a chicken and two potatoes.” (Line 3)

• “I saw you gracefully remove groceries from / the cart when the bill got too high.” (Lines 6-7)

• “I see you wear a gown of rose petals woven with gold thread. / I see you sparkle like the necklace of stars upon your neck.” (Lines 18-19)

• “Dance Mama Dance / For all the dreams that you forgot so we could make it through the day” (Lines 30-31)

How do lines 13-16 contribute to the development of the poem's theme?

• These lines discuss how his mother has succeeded in being the sole provider for her family.

• These lines show the speaker wants to repay his mother after recognizing how her sacrifices have negatively affected her.

• These lines focus on how the speaker specifically hopes to change and improve his mother’s life moving forwards.

• These lines reveal how guilty the speaker feels for being the reason his mother lost her ability to dance.

What tone does the poet create in "Dance Mama Dance?"

• Regret

• Encouraging

• Angry

• Indifferent

Which quote from the text best supports the tone?

• "I saw you limp home late at..." (4)

• "I saw you hold our home together like a foundation" (11)

• "And I say Dance Mama Dance" (25)

• "For all the dreams that you forgot" (31)

Which of the following best identifies a simile in the poem?

• "I saw you inspire revolution with a chicken and

  two potatoes." (3)

• "Break the floodgates of countless uncried tears" (26)

• "I see you laugh as Nina and Luther sing eternally for you" (23)

• "So like a soulful incantation, I write this dream for you:" (16)

Which best identifies how dance is symbolized in the poem?

• Dance symbolizes freedom and happiness.

• Dance symbolizes fear and loneliness.

• Dance symbolizes the loss of her children.

• Dance symbolizes the speaker's desire to leave home.