5.16.R - Lesson: "One Wants a Teller in a Time Like This" by Gwendolyn Brooks

Question 1

“One Wants a Teller in a Time Like This” maintains a consistent rhythm throughout.
True
False

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Which line from the poem tells us that the “One” written about is a young person?
“One wonders if one has a home”
“One wants a Teller now”
“One cannot walk this winding street with pride”
“One’s not a man, one’s not a woman grown”

Answer 2

“One’s not a man, one’s not a woman grown”

Question 3

How many points of view are featured in this poem?
3
5
1
2

Answer 3

2

Question 4

What advice does the teller give the young person at the end of the poem?
None of these
“God’s actual”
“Love triumphs”
“Love’s true”
All of these

Answer 4

All of these

Question 5

The structure of a poem can add a lot of meaning to the poem.
True
False

Answer 5

True

Question 6

Why do you think this poem uses the general pronoun “one” instead of “I” or “you”? What’s the purpose of keeping the subject of the poem broad rather than specific?

Give your thoughtful opinion in 3–5 sentences.

Answer 6

Your Answer:
The poem uses one so the reader can place themselves into the poem. This allows the reader to put their experiences and concerns in the poem. This makes the poem more about you.

Question 7

“One cannot walk this winding street with pride
Straight-shouldered, tranquil-eyed,
Knowing one knows for sure the way back home.
One wonders if one has a home.”

This is the main imagery that is used in the poem. What do you think the speaker means by “home”? Does he/she mean a physical home, or is it simply a metaphor?

Give your thoughtful opinion in 3–5 sentences.

Answer 7

Your Answer:
Home in this poem is a metaphor. A home is a place where you feel most comfortable, and it reflects your beliefs. The one in this poem needs to find out where or what home is. A home symbolizes your place in the world.