Idon't get ! and it's due tonight well, son, i’ll tell you: life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. it’s had tacks in it, and splinters, and boards torn up, and places with no carpet on the floor – bare. but all the time i’se been a-climbin’ on, and reachin’ landin’s, and turnin’ corners, and sometimes goin’ in the dark where there ain’t been no light. so boy, don’t you turn back. don’t you set down on the steps ‘cause you finds it’s kinder hard. don’t you fall now — for i’se still goin’, honey, i’se still climbin’, and life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. 1. in the poem, who is speaking to whom, and about what? a. a mother is telling a story to her child about her own childhood. b. a mother is speaking to her son about climbing a crystal staircase. c. a son is recounting a conversation his mother had with him about the general struggle towards earning a comfortable living. d. a mother is warning her son about the difficulties of life and the struggle to persevere. 2. what is the central metaphor utilized in the poem? a. the narrator describes a laborious climb up a decrepit staircase, a figurative depiction of her ongoing struggles in life. b. the narrator compares a crystal staircase to her own life, symbolic of her own goals and the struggle towards them. c. the narrator describes her ascension up a poorly-kept staircase which transforms into a crystal one, representing her strive to rise above difficulties. d. the narrator describes herself going down a decrepit staircase, a figurative depiction of her continued problems. 3. part a: which of the following statements best describes the theme of the poem? a. never forget your family. b. persevere when life isn't easy. c. hope is the answer to all challenges. d. respect your elders. 4. part b: which of the following quotes best supports the answer to part a? a. “well, son, i’ll tell you: / life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” (lines 1-2) b. “i’se been a-climbin’ on, / and reachin' landin's, / and turnin’ corners” (lines 9-11) c. “don’t you set down on the steps / ‘cause you finds it’s kinder hard.” (lines 15-16) d. “don’t you fall now — / for i’se still goin’, honey” (lines 17-18)