The Courage That My Mother Had and My Father Is a Simple Man

“The Courage That My Mother Had” and “My Father Is a Simple Man” are about the two poets’ parents. For this activity, list the character qualities that the poet of “The Courage That My Mother Had” uses to describe her mother. Then below the first list, make a second list of the qualities that the poet of “My Father Is a Simple Man” uses to describe his father. When you are finished, compare the two lists. Do the parents described in the two poems share any qualities? How are they different? Do you know anyone who shares some of the qualities these parents possess? Write down your responses to these questions.