Mother to Son

In the "Mother to Son", the mother compares her life to a _____ 

• river

• road

• staircase

• journey

Why do you think the author began and finished the piece with, "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair"?

• To emphasize an important idea.

• To show the passage of time.

• To show that the author is forgetful.

• To describe the stair.

The author says that "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." Used in this poem, what does "crystal" mean?

• transparent and slippery

• rough

• beautiful and dangerous

• clear and smooth

Which line from the poem reflects a lesson the speaker wants her son to learn?

• Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair

• And places with no carpet on the floor

• So boy, don’t you turn back

• I’se still climbin’

What sort of message is the mother trying to share with her son?

• Your life is going to be very easy, son, so you don't have any reason to worry

• Life is hard. Give up and take the easy way out

• My life has been hard, your life is going to be hard, too. Don't give up. Keep struggling through it

Based on the poem, what conclusion will the reader arrive at? 

• I should work hard to overcome my obstacles in life 

• I should stop trying when things get difficult 

• I should be thankful for what I have 

The mother tells her son

• to be more carefree.

• to make more money.

• to not fall in love.

• not to give up.

The mother's tone is best described as ...

• harsh

• fearful

• kind and firm

• indifferent

The extended metaphor of life being compared to a staircase helps the reader--

• feel sorry for the struggling mother.

• want a better life for the speaker’s son.

• understand that the speaker’s life has been a constant struggle.

• realize that the speaker feels as if her life will never get any better.

Which lines from the poem best suggest that the speaker is persistent?

• It’s had tacks in it,/And splinters,

• And boards torn up,/And places with no carpet on the floor-

• For I’se still goin’ honey,/I’se still climbin’,

• ‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard./Don’t you fall now-