My Parents By Stephen Spender Quiz Questions and Answers

1. The poet's parents warned him not to mix with these "rough boys," but he envied certain aspects of their lives, although he was also afraid of their rough, bullying ways.

True

False

The poet's parents warned him not to mix with the "rough boys," indicating that they believed these boys were not a good influence. However, the poet still felt envy towards certain aspects of their lives, suggesting that he saw something desirable in their behavior or lifestyle. Additionally, the poet also mentions being afraid of their rough and bullying ways, which further supports the idea that he was indeed tempted to associate with them despite the warnings. Therefore, the statement "The poet's parents warned him not to mix with these 'rough boys,' but he envied certain aspects of their lives, although he was also afraid of their rough, bullying ways" is true.

Explanation

The poet's parents warned him not to mix with the "rough boys," indicating that they believed these boys were not a good influence. However, the poet still felt envy towards certain aspects of their lives, suggesting that he saw something desirable in their behavior or lifestyle. Additionally, the poet also mentions being afraid of their rough and bullying ways, which further supports the idea that he was indeed tempted to associate with them despite the warnings. Therefore, the statement "The poet's parents warned him not to mix with these 'rough boys,' but he envied certain aspects of their lives, although he was also afraid of their rough, bullying ways" is true.

2. The poet was also bullied when at school.

True

False

The given statement suggests that the poet was bullied during their time at school. This implies that the poet had personal experience with being mistreated or harassed by others while in an educational setting. Therefore, the correct answer is "True" as it aligns with the information provided.

Explanation

The given statement suggests that the poet was bullied during their time at school. This implies that the poet had personal experience with being mistreated or harassed by others while in an educational setting. Therefore, the correct answer is "True" as it aligns with the information provided.

3. Which quote from the poem proves that the mocking words of the bullies hurt the poet?

"they threw mud."

"knees tight on my arms."

"who threw words like stones."

"the salt coarse pointing of those boys."

The quote "who threw words like stones" proves that the mocking words of the bullies hurt the poet because it suggests that the words were hurtful and had a similar impact to being physically hit by stones. This implies that the poet was deeply affected by the cruel and hurtful words thrown at them by the bullies, showing the emotional pain caused by their words.

Explanation

The quote "who threw words like stones" proves that the mocking words of the bullies hurt the poet because it suggests that the words were hurtful and had a similar impact to being physically hit by stones. This implies that the poet was deeply affected by the cruel and hurtful words thrown at them by the bullies, showing the emotional pain caused by their words.

4. Why did the "rough" boys hate Stephen?

He was more privileged than them.

He thought he was better than them.

He envied them their freedom.

He was smaller and weaker than them.

The "rough" boys hated Stephen because he was more privileged than them. This suggests that Stephen had more advantages and opportunities compared to the "rough" boys, which could have created a sense of resentment and jealousy among them.

Explanation

The "rough" boys hated Stephen because he was more privileged than them. This suggests that Stephen had more advantages and opportunities compared to the "rough" boys, which could have created a sense of resentment and jealousy among them.

5. Line 6 "and their jerking hands..." The actions of the bullies were like those of a predator mauling its prey. Which of the following actions of a predator was not applied to Spender?

Jerking its victim about

Pinning it down

Devouring it

Tearing at it

The passage describes the bullies' actions as being similar to those of a predator mauling its prey. The actions mentioned include jerking their victim about, pinning it down, and tearing at it. However, the action of devouring is not mentioned in relation to Spender.

Explanation

The passage describes the bullies' actions as being similar to those of a predator mauling its prey. The actions mentioned include jerking their victim about, pinning it down, and tearing at it. However, the action of devouring is not mentioned in relation to Spender.

6. The "rough boys" in the poem... (Choose the option which does not fit.)

Were from the lower class. They were common.

They were not refined or gentle. They had rough and bullying ways.

They were poor and lived in slums.

They wore torn clothing.

Although their parents were poor, they did not neglect them.

The given options describe the characteristics of the "rough boys" in the poem, highlighting their lower class background, rough and bullying ways, poor living conditions, and torn clothing. However, the statement "Although their parents were poor, they did not neglect them" does not fit because it contradicts the previous information by suggesting that the parents were not neglectful despite their poverty. This statement implies that the parents were responsible and attentive, which does not align with the portrayal of the rough boys' challenging circumstances.

Explanation

The given options describe the characteristics of the "rough boys" in the poem, highlighting their lower class background, rough and bullying ways, poor living conditions, and torn clothing. However, the statement "Although their parents were poor, they did not neglect them" does not fit because it contradicts the previous information by suggesting that the parents were not neglectful despite their poverty. This statement implies that the parents were responsible and attentive, which does not align with the portrayal of the rough boys' challenging circumstances.

7. The theme of the poem is about social and social _.

Status, power

Status, differences

Differences, discrimination

None of these

The correct answer is "Differences, discrimination." The theme of the poem revolves around the idea of differences between people and the social discrimination that arises from these differences. The poem likely explores how societal norms and prejudices can lead to unfair treatment and marginalization of certain individuals or groups based on their differences. The author may use poetic devices and imagery to highlight the negative impact of discrimination and advocate for equality and acceptance.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Differences, discrimination." The theme of the poem revolves around the idea of differences between people and the social discrimination that arises from these differences. The poem likely explores how societal norms and prejudices can lead to unfair treatment and marginalization of certain individuals or groups based on their differences. The author may use poetic devices and imagery to highlight the negative impact of discrimination and advocate for equality and acceptance.