Compare Non-fiction Selection To Poetry "Fortune's Bones" And "Not My Bones"

  • 6th Grade,
  • 7th Grade,
  • 8th Grade
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL
Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Michelle BYRD
M
Michelle BYRD
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 81 | Total Attempts: 62,847
| Attempts: 1,366 | Questions: 24 | Updated: Mar 21, 2025
Please wait...
Question 1 / 24
🏆 Rank #--
Score 0/100

1. How is the SPEAKER of the poem best described?

Explanation

The answer "the soul" is the best description for the speaker of the poem because the speaker is the one expressing their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through the poem. The soul is often associated with the innermost essence of a person, representing their deepest feelings and beliefs. In the context of a poem, the speaker's voice and perspective are crucial in conveying the poem's message, making "the soul" an apt description.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Compare Non-fiction Selection To Poetry "Fortunes Bones" And "Not My Bones" - Quiz

Carefully read the selections "Not My Bones" (page 648 ---remember poems should be read a minimum of 3 times in order to truly get their meaning/read it first (maybe even 2 times) then the essay "Fortune's Bones" then the poem a 3rd time for best understanding!) and "Fortune's Bones"... see more(page 653) complete the following only AFTER CAREFULLY READING the selections for full understanding! Remember to take your time and do your best ~
see less

2. Why does the speaker in "Not My bones" use repetition of the phrase "glad to be free" in lines 41-42 of the poem?

Explanation

The speaker in "Not My bones" uses repetition of the phrase "glad to be free" in lines 41-42 of the poem to emphasize their happiness. By repeating the phrase, the speaker emphasizes the depth of their joy and the significance of their newfound freedom. This repetition serves to highlight the speaker's emotional state and convey the intensity of their happiness.

Submit

3. In the poem, the narrator uses repetition in saying, "I was not this body/I was not these bones".  How does this phrase CONTRIBUTE to the meaning of this poem?

Explanation

The repetition of the phrase "I was not this body/I was not these bones" in the poem contributes to the meaning by emphasizing the idea that a person's true essence goes beyond their physical appearance. The narrator is asserting that one's soul and heart are the most significant aspects of their being, rather than their external form. This highlights the importance of looking beyond superficial judgments and recognizing the intrinsic value of individuals based on their inner qualities.

Submit

4. Which statement best indicates what  "Not My Bones" suggests about slavery?

Explanation

The statement "that a person's essential nature (who they truly are) can never be enslaved" suggests that the poem "Not My Bones" conveys the idea that even though a person may be physically enslaved, their inner self and identity cannot be controlled or suppressed by slavery. The poem likely explores the resilience and strength of the human spirit, emphasizing that one's true essence cannot be taken away by external circumstances like slavery.

Submit

5. The sepaker in "Not My Bones" would be UNAFRAID of the idea of death.  This is EVIDENCED by how he/she

Explanation

The speaker in "Not My Bones" would be unafraid of the idea of death because they state that people are much more than their bodies. This suggests that they have a deeper understanding of the human experience and believe in the existence of something beyond the physical realm. This belief would likely give them a sense of peace and acceptance towards the idea of death, knowing that there is more to life than just the physical body.

Submit

6. For what reason do you believe that Marilyn Nelson  was inspired to write the poem, "Not my Bones?"

Explanation

Marilyn Nelson was inspired to write the poem "Not my Bones" to illustrate the central idea that while Fortune's physical body (his bones) may still endure, it is not nearly as significant as his soul that can never be contained or put on display. The poem explores the concept of eternal freedom and the enduring nature of the soul, emphasizing the importance of spiritual strength over physical existence.

Submit

7. Which fact supports the idea that Fortune generally was in good health?

Explanation

The fact that Fortune's skeleton was sturdy and complete supports the idea that he was generally in good health. A sturdy and complete skeleton indicates that he did not suffer from any major diseases or injuries that would have affected his bone structure. It suggests that he had a strong and healthy body, which is often a sign of overall good health.

Submit

8. What does the speaker mean in the simile she uses in lines 15-19?  Which statement BEST represents the idea in the SIMILE itself?

Explanation

The speaker means that thinking a person is only their physical appearance is like a horseless bridle trying to function on its own, which would be empty. This simile suggests that a person's essence and identity cannot be reduced to their physical body alone.

Submit

9. The author most likely included the various details about Fortune's personal life to....  

Explanation

The author included various details about Fortune's personal life to help the reader see him as a person/individual and connect more with him/his plight. By providing these details, the author humanizes Fortune and allows the reader to empathize with him, which in turn deepens their understanding of his experiences as a slave. This helps to create a more emotional and personal connection between the reader and Fortune, making his story more relatable and impactful.

Submit

10. Which of the following could you infer has happened to the speaker in the last stanza of the poem?

Explanation

not-available-via-ai

Submit

11. Both the poem and the non-fiction article about Fortune support the idea that 

Explanation

Both the poem and the non-fiction article about Fortune emphasize the importance of respecting both the living and the dead. They both suggest that this should be a priority for all of mankind. The poem may discuss the value of honoring the deceased and recognizing their contributions to society, while the non-fiction article may highlight the significance of remembering and valuing the lives of those who came before us. Overall, both texts support the idea that respect for both the living and the dead is essential for humanity.

Submit

12. Why does Nelson most likely use the word "itty-bitty' to describe the people's voices in line 38 of "Not My Bones"?

Explanation

Nelson most likely uses the word "itty-bitty" to describe the people's voices because the world is filled with an enormous amount of voices, making one voice seem very small in comparison.

Submit

13. Which of the following would be the most likely explanation for how Fortune's skeleton came to be referred to as "Larry?"

Explanation

Over time, people forgot about the origin of Fortune's skeleton and its true name. In order to refer to the remains, they randomly chose the name "Larry" as a way to identify the skeleton without knowing its actual identity.

Submit

14. According to the selection, what was the motivating factor that contributed to the museum discontinuing the display of Fortune's bones?

Explanation

The correct answer is that the members thought the display was disrespectful. This suggests that the reason for discontinuing the display of Fortune's bones was the belief among the museum members that it was disrespectful to publicly exhibit the remains of a person, particularly a former slave. This indicates a concern for ethical considerations and a desire to treat human remains with dignity and respect.

Submit

15. According to the selection, most slaves who died in Waterbury in the 1700s were

Explanation

The selection states that most slaves who died in Waterbury in the 1700s were buried in the town's cemeteries. This means that after their death, their bodies were laid to rest in the cemeteries located within the town. This suggests that there was a practice of giving slaves a proper burial in designated burial grounds, indicating a level of recognition and respect for their lives even in death.

Submit

16. After nearly a century of being forgotten, Fortune's remains were found again by....

Explanation

Fortune's remains were found again by a crew of workers. This suggests that the discovery was accidental and not intentional. It is likely that the crew of workers stumbled upon Fortune's remains while carrying out their regular duties or while conducting construction work. The other options, such as the staff of a museum, a college physiology class instructor, or one of Porter's descendants, imply a deliberate search or investigation, which is not mentioned in the question. Therefore, the most plausible explanation is that the discovery was made by chance by a crew of workers.

Submit

17. What was Dr. Porter's medical specialty?

Explanation

Dr. Porter's medical specialty was setting broken bones. This means that he was skilled and experienced in the process of aligning and immobilizing fractured bones to promote proper healing. This specialization would have involved knowledge of anatomy, orthopedic techniques, and the use of various tools and devices to treat fractures.

Submit

18. Which detail from the story best supports the idea that Fortune and Doctor Porter had an unusual relationship for a slave and his slave owner?

Explanation

The detail from the story that best supports the idea of an unusual relationship between Fortune and Doctor Porter is that Fortune had a house of his own on Porter's land. This suggests that Fortune had a level of autonomy and independence that was uncommon for a slave. It implies that Fortune had a certain level of trust and respect from Porter, as well as a degree of freedom and agency in his own life. This detail highlights the unique dynamics of their relationship, as it goes against the typical power dynamics between a slave and their owner.

Submit

19. Lines 3-6 of the poem mean that a human being is made of  molecules that come together only for as long as the person lives; then they move on. Which of the following lines from the poem would least support this idea?

Explanation

The correct answer would be "You can murder hope, you can pound faith flat, but like wildflowers, they grow right back." This line contradicts the idea that molecules come together only for as long as the person lives and then move on. It suggests that hope and faith can be destroyed but will always come back, implying that they are not temporary like the human body.

Submit

20. How would you describe the TONE, or author's attitude towards the subject of Fortune's Bones?

Explanation

The author's attitude towards the subject of Fortune's Bones is matter-of-fact. This means that the author presents the information in a straightforward and objective manner, without expressing any strong emotions or opinions. The tone is neutral and focuses on providing factual details about the subject, without trying to sway the reader's emotions or opinions.

Submit

21. In considering the CENTRAL IDEA and the THEME of the poem, it could be stated to best emphasize.....

Explanation

The correct answer is the strength of enslaved people's hope. This is because the central idea and theme of the poem revolve around the resilience and determination of enslaved individuals, highlighting their unwavering hope in the face of adversity. The poem likely explores the struggles and hardships faced by these individuals, but ultimately focuses on their ability to maintain hope and find strength in their circumstances.

Submit

22. How was the decision made by Dr. Porter to preserve Fortune's bones significant for the Porter family?

Explanation

The decision made by Dr. Porter to preserve Fortune's bones was significant for the Porter family because it led to four more generations of Porters becoming physicians. This suggests that the preservation of Fortune's skeleton and the subsequent analysis of the bones by historians and scientists may have sparked an interest in medicine within the family. It also implies that the legacy of Fortune and his family's history, represented by his skeleton, inspired future generations to pursue a career in medicine, possibly as a way to honor their ancestor.

Submit

23. What is the connection of the last line/paragraph of the article in relationship to the central idea of the poem?

Explanation

The last line/paragraph of the article connects to the central idea of the poem by emphasizing that the bones were the least significant part of Fortune's life. This suggests that the author wanted to highlight Fortune's character, courage, and integrity as a hero among slaves, rather than focusing on his physical remains. The author's intention was to convey this message through a combination of poetic and non-fictional elements in the work.

Submit

24. The non-fiction article supports the opinion that Fortune was not free for many years after his death. How does the poem contradict this viewpoint?

Explanation

The poem contradicts the viewpoint in the article by emphasizing that a person's true essence, their soul, cannot be held captive or possessed, whether in life or in the afterworld. This contradicts the idea in the article that Fortune was not free for many years after his death because the poem suggests that his soul was set free upon his death. The figurative language used in the poem supports this idea, highlighting the notion that a person's true identity and essence can never be controlled or owned.

Submit
×
Saved
Thank you for your feedback!
View My Results
Cancel
  • All
    All (24)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
How is the SPEAKER of the poem best described?
Why does the speaker in "Not My bones" use repetition of the...
In the poem, the narrator uses repetition in saying, "I was not...
Which statement best indicates what  "Not My Bones"...
The sepaker in "Not My Bones" would be UNAFRAID of the idea...
For what reason do you believe that Marilyn Nelson  was inspired...
Which fact supports the idea that Fortune generally was in good...
What does the speaker mean in the simile she uses in lines 15-19?...
The author most likely included the various details about...
Which of the following could you infer has happened to the speaker in...
Both the poem and the non-fiction article about Fortune support the...
Why does Nelson most likely use the word "itty-bitty' to...
Which of the following would be the most likely explanation for how...
According to the selection, what was the motivating factor that...
According to the selection, most slaves who died in Waterbury in the...
After nearly a century of being forgotten, Fortune's remains were...
What was Dr. Porter's medical specialty?
Which detail from the story best supports the idea that Fortune and...
Lines 3-6 of the poem mean that a human being is made of...
How would you describe the TONE, or author's attitude towards the...
In considering the CENTRAL IDEA and the THEME of the poem, it could be...
How was the decision made by Dr. Porter to preserve Fortune's...
What is the connection of the last line/paragraph of the article in...
The non-fiction article supports the opinion that Fortune was not free...
play-Mute sad happy unanswered_answer up-hover down-hover success oval cancel Check box square blue
Alert!