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What does the poet imply about the speaker’s relationship with her son in “Summer of His Fourteenth Year”?

The speaker feels more distant from her son.

The speaker helps her son pursue his interests.

The speaker listens to her son as he describes his problems.

The speaker appreciates that her son demonstrates responsibility.

Question at position 7
7

Multiple Choice
1 point



Question at position 7

In “Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” the poet most likely uses varied line lengths in the poem to —

In “Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” the poet most likely uses varied line lengths in the poem to —

create a predictable rhythmical pattern

portray the changing moods of a teen

emphasize the bond between mother and son

illustrate how smooth the transition to adulthood is

Question at position 8
8

Multiple Choice
1 point



Question at position 8

Which statement best expresses the theme developed by lines 20–24 of “Summer of His Fourteenth Year”?

Which statement best expresses the theme developed by lines 20–24 of “Summer of His Fourteenth Year”?

Teens still rely on their mothers in times of need.

Teens feel constantly embarrassed by their mothers.

Teens sometimes want a closer connection to their mothers.

Teens try to grow up by pulling away from their mothers.

Question at position 9
9

Multiple Choice
1 point



Question at position 9

The two points of view in the poems emphasize the challenges of adolescence by —

The two points of view in the poems emphasize the challenges of adolescence by —

showing teens’ desire to gain more responsibility and independence

illustrating teens’ thought processes and emotional responses

showing how teens and parents struggle with the transition to adulthood

illustrating how parents feel frustrated by the behavior of their teens

Question at position 10
10

Categorization
1 point



Question at position 10
Contrast the structures of “Hanging Fire” and “Summer of His Fourteenth Year.”

Drag the statement with the box under the selection it describes.

Category
"Hanging Fire"
Category
"Summer of His Fourteenth Year"
Category
Both
Possible answers
Question at position 11
11

Multiple Choice
1 point



Question at position 11

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A
Which theme is explored in both poems?

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A
Which theme is explored in both poems?

Innocence is lost during adolescence.

Adolescence comes with many challenges.

Mothers experience high frustration with teens.

Parents have it easier than adolescents do.

Question at position 12
12

Multiple Answer
1 point



Question at position 12

Part B
Which two excerpts from the selections best support the answer to Part A?

Part B
Which two excerpts from the selections best support the answer to Part A?

There is nothing I want to do / and too much / that has to be done
(“Hanging Fire,” lines 19–21)

A deep, resonant voice answers when I call home. / My child is gone—
(“Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” lines 1–2)

Intermittent impulses, quickly sated, / rarely fill his emptiness, / never end his searching.
(“Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” lines 12–14)

Wailing guitars weave a cocoon / as he sits cross legged in a recess of his room,
(“Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” lines 15–16)

1 answer

Based on your questions about the poems, here are the suggested answers to help you navigate each prompt:

Question 6: What does the poet imply about the speaker’s relationship with her son in “Summer of His Fourteenth Year”?

  • Answer: The speaker feels more distant from her son.

Question 7: In “Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” the poet most likely uses varied line lengths in the poem to —

  • Answer: portray the changing moods of a teen.

Question 8: Which statement best expresses the theme developed by lines 20–24 of “Summer of His Fourteenth Year”?

  • Answer: Teens try to grow up by pulling away from their mothers.

Question 9: The two points of view in the poems emphasize the challenges of adolescence by —

  • Answer: showing how teens and parents struggle with the transition to adulthood.

Question 10: Contrast the structures of “Hanging Fire” and “Summer of His Fourteenth Year.”

  • Category: "Hanging Fire": Captures the stream of consciousness of a single adolescent voice, reflecting internal thoughts and anxiety.
  • Category: "Summer of His Fourteenth Year": Alternates between reflective observations and narrative, showcasing the relationship between mother and son.
  • Category: Both: Address the theme of adolescence and its emotional complexities.

Question 11: Part A - Which theme is explored in both poems?

  • Answer: Adolescence comes with many challenges.

Question 12: Part B - Which two excerpts from the selections best support the answer to Part A?

  • Answer:
    • There is nothing I want to do / and too much / that has to be done (“Hanging Fire,” lines 19–21)
    • Intermittent impulses, quickly sated, / rarely fill his emptiness, / never end his searching. (“Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” lines 12–14)

These answers are designed to reflect the themes and structures of the selected poems, along with their emotional resonance and relationships explored within.