In “Hanging Fire,” what does the poet imply by repeating the refrain "and momma’s in the bedroom / with the door closed" at the end of each stanza?

Question

The speaker thinks her mother is lonely.

The speaker wants to open the door and surprise her mother.

The speaker feels cut off from her mother and is lonely.

The speaker is proud that she can take care of herself without her mother.

Question at position 2
2

Multiple Choice
1 point



Question at position 2

In “Hanging Fire,” the poet uses language that makes the speaker sound like a teenager who is —

In “Hanging Fire,” the poet uses language that makes the speaker sound like a teenager who is —

giving a formal speech at school

discussing problems with a friend

singing a song to prepare for a talent show

describing personal experiences to a parent

Question at position 3
3

Multiple Choice
1 point



Question at position 3

In “Hanging Fire,” why does the poet rarely use punctuation when the narrator shifts thoughts?

In “Hanging Fire,” why does the poet rarely use punctuation when the narrator shifts thoughts?

To emphasize how overwhelmed the narrator feels

To suggest that each stanza is one complete thought

To prove that the narrator has difficulty focusing while talking

To show that conventional punctuation does not belong in poetry

Question at position 4
4

Multiple Choice
1 point



Question at position 4

In “Hanging Fire,” the poet describes the speaker’s fears and worries to give the reader insight into —

In “Hanging Fire,” the poet describes the speaker’s fears and worries to give the reader insight into —

common experiences many teens face on a daily basis

unique experiences only the mother can understand

moments the speaker would only discuss with a true friend

struggles that frustrate every parent of a teen

Question at position 5
5

Multiple Choice
1 point



Question at position 5

Which sentence best describes the effect of the short lines in “Hanging Fire”?

Which sentence best describes the effect of the short lines in “Hanging Fire”?

They highlight how young and immature the speaker is.

They illustrate the speaker’s lack of ability to express herself fully.

They show that the speaker prefers to keep the details of her life private.

They indicate the fleeting thoughts going through the speaker’s head each moment.

Answer 1

Here are the suggested answers for each question based on the analysis of “Hanging Fire”:

1. What does the poet imply by repeating the refrain "and momma’s in the bedroom / with the door closed" at the end of each stanza?

   • The speaker feels cut off from her mother and is lonely.
     The repetition emphasizes the emotional distance between the speaker and the mother, highlighting the speaker's feelings of isolation and loneliness.

2. In “Hanging Fire,” the poet uses language that makes the speaker sound like a teenager who is —

   • discussing problems with a friend.
     The informal and candid tone of the language mirrors the way teenagers often communicate with friends about their issues.

3. In “Hanging Fire,” why does the poet rarely use punctuation when the narrator shifts thoughts?

   • To emphasize how overwhelmed the narrator feels.
     The absence of punctuation reflects the speaker's hurried and jumbled thoughts, suggesting a sense of being overwhelmed.

4. In “Hanging Fire,” the poet describes the speaker’s fears and worries to give the reader insight into —

   • common experiences many teens face on a daily basis.
     The worries and fears expressed are relatable and depict universal teenage experiences.

5. Which sentence best describes the effect of the short lines in “Hanging Fire”?

   • They indicate the fleeting thoughts going through the speaker’s head each moment.
     The short lines contribute to the sense of immediacy and the rapid succession of thoughts typical of a teenage mind.

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