Ode to Thanks & Mother to Son

Last Name

First Name

Class Period

• 1
• 3
• 5
• 6
• 7

1. Which theme is most clearly developed in "Mother to Son"? (Target 1)

• A. Wealth and success are indicators (a sign) of a happy life
• B. Relationships can be difficult to navigate (to handle)
• C. When facing a challenge, you must not shy away
• D. Everyone fails even if they try

2. How does the author use the metaphor of the staircase to develop the theme of the poem? (Target 3)

• A. By showing the stairway as a symbol of wealth and luxury
• B. By illustrating that life is a smooth and easy journey
• C. By using the staircase to show that life is full of obstacles but progress can still be made
• D. By depicting the stairway as an unreachable goal

3. Which line from the poem best supports the motif of perseverance? (Target 2)

• A. "Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair."
• B. "So boy, don’t you turn back."
• C. "And places with no carpet on the floor—Bare."
• D. "I’se still climbin’."

4. In "Mother to Son," what craft does the author use to reveal the motif of resilience (ability to persevere)? (Target 3)

• A. Character and dialogue
• B. Setting and mood
• C. Metaphor and imagery
• D. Plot and conflict

5. How does the mother's tone throughout the poem contribute to the development of the theme? (Target 3)

• A. Her tone is indifferent, showing that she no longer cares about her hardships.
• B. Her tone is hopeful and encouraging, reinforcing the idea of perseverance despite life's challenges.
• C. Her tone is fearful, suggesting she is unsure of how to move forward.
• D. Her tone is angry, reflecting her frustration with life’s difficulties.

6. What is the central theme of Neruda’s "Ode to Thanks"? (Target 1)

• A. Showing gratitude can solve lots of problems
• B. Conflict will always happen no matter what
• C. Personal success is more important than helping others
• D. Be proud of all the things you do

7. How does Neruda use imagery to support the theme of gratitude in "Ode to Thanks"? (Target 2)

• A. He describes a threatening world that is softened by the presence of thanks
• B. He uses violent imagery to emphasize the dangers of being ungrateful
• C. He compares gratitude to harsh elements of nature, like volcanoes
• D. He describes the power of thanks as insignificant (not important) compared to other emotions