Question

Read the following stanza from Audre Lorde's poem "Hanging Fire" and answer the question.

I am fourteen and my skin has betrayed me the boy I cannot live without still sucks his thumb in secret how come my knees are always so ashy what if I die before morning and momma's in the bedroom with the door closed.

Why does Lorde make the poem's speaker fourteen years old?

A)to emphasize her status as an adult
B)to call attention to her childishness
C)to call attention to this transitional time between adolescence and adulthood
D)to emphasize her maturity

What does the symbol of the closed door suggest?

A)closeness
B)love
C)evil
D)lack of connection

Which answer best describes the voice of the poem?

A)insecure and frustrated
B)older, secure, and happy
C)a fourteen year old boy
D)a mother

Answer 1

1. C)to call attention to this transitional time between adolescence and adulthood
2. D)lack of connection
3. A)insecure and frustrated

Hope that helps

Answer 2

Answer:

C) to call attention to this transitional time between adolescence and adulthood

D) lack of connection

A) insecure and frustrated

In this poem, the speaker explains that she is fourteen years old. We can see her thought process, and it is one of confusion, insecurity and frustration. Some of the ideas she expresses are the maturity she experiences when compared to boys her age, the dissatisfaction with her body, and the lack of connection with her mom, who is likely unaware of all the thoughts that go through her daughter's head. This lack of connection is symbolized by the closed door. The poem is intended to show the feelings that teenagers experience as they transition to adulthood.