"My Father is a Simple Man" Poem Questions Salinas

Front

What is the significance of the phrase 'bitter-hard reality' in Salinas' poem?

Back

It reflects the speaker's struggle to accept the truth about his father's death and the realization of his father's simple greatness.

Front

List three qualities that made Salinas' father admirable.

Back

Kindness, patience, and being a good worker/provider.

Front

Define 'stanza' in the context of poetry.

Back

A stanza is a paragraph in a poem.

Front

What is the main theme of Salinas' poem?

Back

Life is not about material possessions or personal accomplishments, but about one's character.

Front

What does the term 'perpetual' mean?

Back

Never ending; enduring; constant.

Front

How does Salinas describe his father's understanding of life?

Back

He understood that what is truly important in life is quite simple.

Front

What emotional impact does the speaker experience when reflecting on his father's death?

Back

The speaker feels humbled and struggles with the difficulty of facing his father's passing.

Front

What literary device is used when describing the father's truth as a 'punishing evil stranger'?

Back

This is an example of metaphor, illustrating the harshness of the realization.

Front

How does the speaker's perception of his father change after his death?

Back

The speaker gains a deeper appreciation for his father's simple greatness and wisdom.

Front

What role does memory play in Salinas' poem?

Back

Memory serves as a means for the speaker to reflect on his father's life and the lessons learned.