When I Rise Up

Which sentence best states a theme of the poem?

• We have the power to rise above our fears.

• We have the power to imagine ourselves with wings.

• We should rise above and look down upon those who remain stagnant.

• We can rise above hardship and view it from a position of strength.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

"And look down on the things that fetter me, / I beat my wings upon the air"

What idea does the line develop based on how it is used in the poem?

• that the speaker looks down on those who have not yet found their wings

• that the speaker looks down on her past

• that the speaker imagines herself as a bird, soaring above the things that have held her back

• that the speaker is an angel in the afterlife judging those on earth

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.3.5

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.5

Which detail most clearly shows that the speaker is able to view her hardships from a position of strength?

• When I rise up above the earth / And I look down on the things that fetter me

• I beat my wings upon the air

• Surge after surge of potent strength / like incense comes to me

• Or tranquil lie

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

"Surge after surge of potent strength"

What does the word potent mean?

• diminishing

• powerful

• fragrant

• incensed

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.4

CCSS.RI.4.4

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

How does the speaker’s use of repetition in the phrase “When I rise up” contribute to the overall meaning of the poem?

• It conveys the speaker’s uncertainty and hesitation.

• It conveys the speaker’s determination and perseverance.

• It conveys the speaker’s despair and hopelessness.

• It conveys the speaker’s boredom and monotony.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

Which of the following best describes the speaker’s tone in the poem?

• hopeful

• despairing

• angry

• confident

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.3.5

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.5