Mother to Son

1. What central symbol does the poem’s speaker use to represent life? (short answer)

2. The phrase “places with no carpet on the floor” (Line 6) most strongly suggests which of the following experiences?

A) deprivation

B) violence

C) discrimination

D) exploitation

3. Which of the following choices best describes the speaker’s attitude towards life?

A) resigned

B) despairing

C) persevering

D) appreciative

4. Which of the following lines most clearly evokes the possibility of change for the better?

A) “And reachin’ landin’s” (Line 10)

B) “And turnin’ corners” (Line 11)

C) “And sometimes goin’ in the dark” (Line 12)

D) “So boy, don’t you turn back” (Line 14)

5. What three things does the speaker advise her son not to do? (short answer)