Question

Based on the careful reading of the passage given below, answer any four out of five questions that follow:

 

1. When you see me sitting quietly, Like a sack left on the shelf, Don’t think I need your chattering. I’m listening to myself. Hold! Stop! Don’t pity me! Hold! Stop your sympathy! Understanding if you got it, Otherwise, I’ll do without it! 2. When my bones are stiff and aching, And my feet won’t climb the stair, I will only ask one favor: Don’t bring me no rocking chair. When you see me walking, stumbling, Don’t study and get it wrong. ‘Cause tired don’t mean lazy And every goodbye ain’t gone. 3. I’m the same person I was back then, A little less hair, a little less chin, A lot less lungs and much less wind. But ain’t I lucky I can still breathe in. - Maya Angelou

1. What does the poet think she looks like, when sitting quietly?
2. Does the poet invite pity? Quote a line to support your argument.
3. What has changed in the poet over the course of years?
4. Pick out a word from the second stanza which means ‘faltering’.
5. Why does the poet consider herself lucky?

Answer 1

1. The poet think she looks like a sack when sitting quietly.
2. No. Hold! Stop! Don’t pity me!
3. Over the years, the poet has seen changes in his receding hairline, chin and breathability.
4. Stumbling
5. She is lucky to be still breathing despite her old age.