Question 1: What literary technique is used in the phrase 'the line is taut,' and what effect does it create?

Answer: It uses metaphor to compare the tape measure to emotional boundaries, emphasizing tension and connection.

Question 2: Identify the symbolism behind the 'tape measure' in the poem.

Answer: The tape measure symbolizes the boundaries and limits in the relationship between the speaker and their mother, as well as personal growth.

Question 3: Which grammatical structure is primarily used in the line 'Pulling it out, unspooling in the air,' and what is its effect?

Answer: It uses a present participial phrase to add detail, creating a sense of ongoing action and movement.

Question 4: How does the poet use enjambment in the excerpt, and what is its purpose?

Answer: Enjambment carries sentences over multiple lines, creating a flowing rhythm that mirrors the stretching of the tape and the ongoing process of growth.

Question 5: Identify a line that demonstrates contrast within the poem and explain its effect.

Answer: ‘The line, a symbol of connection and independence, stretches thin but remains’ — it contrasts dependence and independence, emphasizing the balance between the two.

Question 6: Explain the significance of the phrase 'testing the limits' in the context of the poem.

Answer: It signifies the speaker's exploration of personal boundaries and independence while still feeling connected to their mother.

Question 7: Identify the mood created by the imagery in the excerpt.

Answer: The mood is contemplative and optimistic, reflecting a balance between caution and curiosity about independence.

Question 8: Discuss how structure and imagery work together to convey the theme of growth in the poem.

Answer: Students should explore how the poem’s structured with flowing lines and imagery of the tape measure and stretching boundaries to symbolize personal growth, independence, and the tension between reliance and self-reliance.