Poetry Unit Test
Respond to the following prompts in completely developed, thoughtful sentences. As usual, rely primarily on the present tense, use active verbs, and avoid the common errors discussed so often in this class. You must write on your own paper. Do not skip lines.
A Song in the Front Yard
Discuss the poet’s use of symbol in this poem.
My Papa’s Waltz
Discuss how the poet’s connotatively rich diction ironically juxtaposes with events of the poem.
War is Kind
Discuss how the poet develops irony to condemn glorification of war.
I wandered lonely as a cloud
Discuss how this poem presents classically Romantic ideals.
Miniver Cheevy and Richard Cory
Contrast the concept of alienation as developed in these two Robinson poems.
Meeting at Night
Discuss the poet’s use of imagery to develop clandestine tension in this poem.
That time of year thou may’st in me behold
Describe three metaphors Shakespeare uses to clarify the speaker’s age.
The Double Play
To what two non-athletic concepts does the poet compare a double play?
The Battle
Describe how the poet uses figurative language to de-humanize the soldiers.
A Poison Tree
What does Blake suggest about anger in this poem?
The Road Not Taken
Why is this poem a nearly perfect poem for high school seniors to read?
Because I could not stop for Death
Discuss the concept of death as developed in this poem.
The Man He Killed
Describe the speaker in this poem. How does his social status strengthen the message of this poem?
The Universe
What does Swenson say about human beings and our concept of the universe?
The Red Wheelbarrow
Provide your reader with a grotesquely incorrect over-read of William Carlos Williams’ small poem.
When I heard the learn’d astronomer
How is this poem a classically Romantic poem? Discuss.
The Passionate Shepherd to His Love and The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd
How does Raleigh’s speaker reply to Marlowe’s speaker and his offer?
The Chimney Sweeper
Pathos has been defined as, “an emotion of sympathetic pity.” How does Blake develop pathos through Little Tom Dacre’s dream?
Dream Deferred
Describe three of Hughes’ similes.
Extra Credit: Describe the most memorable moment from either the film “Darius Goes West” or the presentation itself. If you only were able to purchase a ticket rather than actually attend, simply write “Purchased Ticket” here.
