Mother to Son and to James Practice Poetry Terms

In the "Mother to Son", the mother compares her life to a _____ 

• river
• road
• staircase
• journey

The mother tells her son

• to be more carefree.
• to make more money.
• to not fall in love.
• not to give up.

The mother's tone is best described as ...

• harsh
• fearful
• kind and firm
• indifferent

Which is the main type of figurative language used in the poem?

• simile
• metaphor
• personification
• hyperbole

Why do you think the author began and finished the piece with, "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair"?

• To emphasize an important idea.
• To show the passage of time.
• To show that the author is forgetful.
• To describe the stair.

The author says that "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." Used in this poem, what does "crystal" mean?

• transparent and slippery
• rough
• beautiful and dangerous
• clear and smooth

The extended metaphor of life being compared to a staircase helps the reader--

• feel sorry for the struggling mother.

• want a better life for the speaker’s son.

• understand that the speaker’s life has been a constant struggle.

• realize that the speaker feels as if her life will never get any better.

Which lines from the poem best suggest that the speaker is persistent?

• It’s had tacks in it,/And splinters,

• And boards torn up,/And places with no carpet on the floor-

• For I’se still goin’ honey,/I’se still climbin’,

• ‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard./Don’t you fall now-

Which line from the poem reflects a lesson the speaker wants her son to learn?

• Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair

• And places with no carpet on the floor

• So boy, don’t you turn back

• I’se still climbin’

The 1st person POV helps the reader --

• understand the struggles faced by the mom

• empathize with the son

• reflect on why the son is struggling

• the mother and son's relationship