Dreams by Langston Hughes

Which poetic device is used in the line "Life is a broken-winged bird"?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

The line "Life is a broken-winged bird" uses a metaphor, comparing life to a bird with a broken wing to convey a sense of struggle and limitation, without using 'like' or 'as', which would indicate a simile.

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CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

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CCSS.RL.9-10.10

Which line from the poem contains an example of imagery?

• "Hold fast to dreams"

• "Life is a broken-winged bird"

• "For if dreams die"

• "For when dreams go"

Answer explanation

The line "Life is a broken-winged bird" uses vivid imagery to evoke a visual and emotional response, illustrating the fragility of dreams. The other lines do not provide such descriptive imagery.

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What type of figurative language is used in "Frozen with snow"?

• Simile

• Personification

• Hyperbole

• Idiom

Answer explanation

The phrase "Frozen with snow" uses hyperbole, as it exaggerates the state of being frozen to emphasize the extreme coldness, rather than being a literal description. It does not compare, personify, or use idiomatic expression.

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What two things are being compared in the metaphor "Life is a broken-winged bird"?

• Dreams and snow

• Life and a broken-winged bird

• Dreams and a barren field

• Life and a frozen field

Answer explanation

The metaphor "Life is a broken-winged bird" compares life to a broken-winged bird, suggesting that life, like the bird, is hindered and unable to reach its full potential. This highlights the fragility and struggles of life.

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CCSS.RL.8.5

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How does the use of the metaphor "Life is a barren field / Frozen with snow" help the reader understand the poem’s message?

• It shows that life is always cold

• It suggests that life without dreams is empty and lifeless

• It means that snow is important for dreams

• It describes a real field in winter

Answer explanation

The metaphor "Life is a barren field / Frozen with snow" illustrates that without dreams, life feels desolate and unfulfilled, emphasizing the emptiness and lifelessness that can result from a lack of aspirations.

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CCSS.RL.8.5

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CCSS.RL.9-10.10

Why does the poet repeat the phrase "Hold fast to dreams"?

• To make the poem longer

• To emphasize the importance of dreams

• To create a rhyme

• To describe a dream

Answer explanation

The poet repeats "Hold fast to dreams" to emphasize the importance of dreams, highlighting their value and encouraging the reader to cherish and pursue them.

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Which of the following best describes the tone created by the figurative language in the poem?

• Joyful and playful

• Serious and cautionary

• Angry and harsh

• Confused and uncertain

Answer explanation

The figurative language in the poem conveys a serious and cautionary tone, highlighting themes that provoke thought and reflection rather than joy or anger.

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CCSS.RL.8.5

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Which of the following lines contains a symbol, and what does it symbolize?

• "For if dreams die" – symbolizes hope

• "Life is a broken-winged bird" – symbolizes a life without dreams

• "Hold fast to dreams" – symbolizes sleep

• "Frozen with snow" – symbolizes happiness

Answer explanation

The line "Life is a broken-winged bird" symbolizes a life without dreams, illustrating how dreams are essential for a fulfilling existence. Without them, life can feel incomplete and hindered.

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What is the effect of the poet’s use of repetition in the poem?

• It makes the poem confusing

• It emphasizes the central message about the importance of dreams

• It creates a humorous tone

• It describes the setting

Answer explanation

The poet's use of repetition emphasizes the central message about the importance of dreams, reinforcing the idea and making it more memorable for the reader.

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If the poet had not used metaphors and imagery, how might the poem’s message be different?

• The message would be less vivid and impactful

• The poem would be longer

• The message would be clearer

• The poem would be more confusing

Answer explanation

Without metaphors and imagery, the poem's message would lack vividness and emotional depth, making it less impactful. These literary devices enhance the reader's experience and connection to the themes.

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CCSS.RL.8.5

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