Figurative Language Worksheet

Figurative Language: Words that do not have their literal meanings are used to compare different things. In the poem, the author uses figurative language to help us understand the message more deeply. Below are some questions to help you analyze the poem.

Answer Key

1. What does the "crystal stair" symbolize in the poem?

Answer: A life of ease and luxury (Correct answer: A)

2. What is being compared in the poem?

Exemplar Answer: The speaker's life is being compared to a difficult staircase, showing that life has not been easy.

3. What is meant by "life ain't no crystal stair"?

Exemplar Answer: It means that life has not been smooth or luxurious; instead, it has been full of difficulties and challenges.

4. According to the speaker, what challenges have they faced in their life?

Exemplar Answer: The speaker has faced tacks, splinters, torn boards, and dark places, symbolizing hardships and obstacles.

5. How does the speaker encourage their child in the poem?

Answer: By telling them to keep climbing (Correct answer: B)

6. Which phrase best describes the tone of the poem?

Answer: Determined and hopeful (Correct answer: B)

7. Which words or phrases best describe the tone of the poem?

Exemplar Answer: Words like "I'se been a-climbin' on" and "don't you turn back" show determination and resilience.

8. What kind of imagery is used in the poem?

Answer: Household imagery (Correct answer: B)

9. How does the imagery in the poem help you understand the speaker's experience?

Exemplar Answer: The imagery of tacks, splinters, and torn boards helps the reader understand the difficulties and struggles that the speaker has faced in life.

10. Why does the speaker mention "tacks" and "splinters"?

Answer: To show that life is full of small pains and obstacles (Correct answer: A)

Figurative Language Worksheet - "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes

Answer Key