A Dream Deferred

In the line, "What happens to a dream deferred?" the question most likely means:

• What happens to a dream that has been achieved?

• What happens to a dream that has been put off?

• What happens to a dream that has been criticized?

• What happens to a dream that has been destroyed?

What does the poet mean when he says "Does it dry up/ Like a raisin in the sun?"

• He means does the dream disappear/die?

• He means does the dream become a raisin?

• He means does the dream become small?

• He means does the dream change?

Which sentence describes the main idea of the poem?

• Some dreams need more time to develop and grow.

• It’s difficult for people to keep their dreams alive.

• No one knows what happens to dreams that are never fulfilled.

• Dreams that are delayed could disappear or become a burden.

Which detail from the poem best supports the main idea identified in question 3?

• "What happens to a dream deferred?" (Line 1)

• "like a raisin in the sun?" (Line 3)

• "Does it stink like rotten meat?" (Line 6)

• "like a syrupy sweet?" (Line 8)

Which statement explains the simile, “Maybe it just sags / like a heavy load” (Lines 9-10)?

• It can be difficult to know that a dream stopped serving its purpose.

• It can be frustrating to see a dream fail to become a reality.

• Dreams can easily bounce back after being neglected for some time.

• A postponed dream can become something difficult to carry.

What is the effect of the imagery used in the line "Does it stink like rotten meat?"?

• It shows that the dream has been forgotten.

• It indicates that the dream has transformed into something sweet.

• It implies that the dream has become unpleasant and decayed.

• It suggests that the dream is still fresh and alive.

How does the poet use the metaphor "like a syrupy sweet" to convey the state of a deferred dream?

• To suggest that the dream has lost its value.

• To indicate that the dream has become bitter and unwanted.

• To imply that the dream has become a burden.

• To show that the dream is still appealing and desirable.

What is the significance of the question "Or does it explode?" in the context of the poem?

• It shows that the dream will transform into something positive.

• It indicates that the dream will fade away quietly.

• It implies that the dream will have a sudden and violent impact.

• It suggests that the dream will eventually be fulfilled.