Slave's Dream

Beside the ungathered rice he lay,   His sickle in his hand.

His breast was bare, his matted hair   Was buried in the sand.

Again, in the mist and shadow of sleep,   He saw his Native Land.

Wide through the landscape of his dreams

  The lordly Niger flowed;

Beneath the palm-trees on the plain

  Once more a king he strode;

And heard the tinkling caravans   Descend the mountain-road.

He saw once more his dark-eyed queen

 Among her children stand;

They clasped his neck, they kissed his cheeks,

  They held him by the hand!--

A tear burst from the sleeper's lids   And fell into the sand.

And then at furious speed he rode   Along the Niger's bank;

His bridle-reins were golden chains,

And, with a martial clank,

‘Native Land’ in the last line of stanza 1 refers to:

What is the primary themeof the excerpt?

What does the phrase "Death had illumined the Land of Sleep" suggest?

Summary: Malin Kundang is a young manfrom a poor family who leaves his mother in search of wealth. When he returnsas a rich man, he rejects his mother, calling her an old beggar. In anger, hismother curses him, and he is turned into stone.

Why does Malin Kundang leave his village?

  What is the significance of Malin Kundang's transformation into stone?

How does the story of Malin Kundang emphasize the values of family and respect? Do you think Malin Kundang deserved the punishment? Why or why not?

Which of the following best describes the setting of "The Lost Key"?