"Hanging Fire" and "Teenagers" Comprehension Check

In lines 1 & 2 of "Hanging Fire," the narrator states, "I am fourteen/ and my skin has betrayed me." Which poetic element is used?

• onomatopoeia

• personification

• metaphor

• simile

A message about life or human nature that a writer wants to convey is called . . .

• conflict

• characterization

• theme

• irony

The first stanza (lines 1-11) of "Hanging Fire" creates which overall tone?

• frustrated and anxious

• curious and excited

• furious and spiteful

• eager and determined

When determining the theme of a poem, which of the following may create clues to better understand the theme?

• the poem's title

• images and details that stand out

• repeated words and phrases

• All of the elements above may create clues that lead to theme.

Where is the repetition found in "Hanging Fire"?

• there is no repetition

• at the beginning of each stanza

• in the middle of each stanza

• at the end of each stanza

The lines "and momma's in the bedroom/ with the door closed" emphasize which conflict in this poem?

• The narrator's mother is probably depressed.

• The narrator finds it difficult to communicate with her mother.

• The narrator is annoyed that her mom has given her so many chores to do.

• The narrator's mother is far too busy in her room.

The contradiction in lines 19-21, "There is nothing I want to do/ and too much/ that has to be done" suggests that the narrator is . . .

• silly and irreverent

• determined and focused

• academic and scholarly

• thoughtful and self-aware

The theme of "Hanging Fire" is . . .

• Teenagers often feel stuck in one place while also feeling there is so much to be done.

• Teens may resent adults for not giving them credit for their ideas, but can still really want the love and support from these adults.

• Teenagers often feel immense pressure--physically, emotially, and socially.

• All of the above are examples of themes within the poem.

In "Teenagers," the image in line 3, "Doors and lips shut" symbolizes . . .

• a lack of communication

• a need for a makeover

• a question about loyalty

• a reminder of the past

Which poetic element is a comparison between two unlike things using the words like or as?

• metaphor

• simile

• symbol

• repetition