Mother to Son

The mother’ point of view shifts from melancholy to determined as she speaks to her son. Which two details best illustrate this development? (RL.2.6)

• Well, son, I’ll tell you: (line 1)

• Bare. (line 7)

• It’s had tacks in it,

  And splinters,

  And boards torn up, (lines 3-5)

• And turnin’ corners, (line 11)

• So boy, don’t you turn back.

  Don’t you set down on the steps (lines 14-15)

What does the listener learn from the poet’s reading of the poem that is not conveyed by the text of the poem? (RL.3.7)

• The mother’s concern for the son’s well-being.

• The son’s strength and desire to grow up and gain freedom.

• The insecurity of the son about growing up.

• The mother’s varied emotions in her voice as she speaks to her son about her experiences.

Who is the author of the "Mother to Son"?

• Langston Bughes

• Langston Hughes

• Langston Williams

• Langston Shakespheare

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

• river

• road

• staircase

• journey

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 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

Who is the speaker in the poem "Mother to Son"?

• The mother

• The daughter

• The son

• The father

In the poem, whom is the speaker addressing and about what?

• A mother is telling a story to her child about her own childhood.

• A mother is describing for her son the climb up a crystal staircase.

• A son us recounting a conversation with his mother about his struggle to earn a comfortable living.

• A mother is warning her son about the difficulties of life and the struggle to presevere.