“The Charge of the Light Brigade†by Alfred, Lord Tennyson Summary The poem tells the story of a brigade consisting of 600 soldiers who rode on horseback into the “valley of death†for about one and a half miles. The…
“I Hear America Singing†by Walt Whitman Vocabulary blithe – lighthearted; carefree robust – healthy and energetic Questions and Answers 1. This poem proceeds roughly in the form of a list. What is the literary term for such a poem?…
“America Singing.” “O, Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman Vocabulary keel – the body of a ship rack – in this case, stress or torture Questions and Answers 1. Refer to the introduction to Walt Whitman’s poem and explain who…
A Noiseless Patient Spider by Walt Whitman Vocabulary promontory – part of land that projects out, as into water ductile – in this case, capable of being drawn out into threads gossamer – delicate; gauzy Questions and Answers 1. Why…
“I’m Nobody! Who Are You?†by Emily Dickinson Vocabulary bog – a wet, spongy area of ground, where one is likely to sink, and where frogs live. Questions and Answers 1. Describe the over-all tone of this poem. Answers may…
The Chambered Nautilus by Oliver Wendell Holmes Vocabulary gauze – sewn cloth irised – eye-like Questions and Answers 1. Rather than describe them as sails, Holmes writes, “webs of living gauze.†In what ways are the sails of a ship…
Requiem by Robert Loius Stevenson 1. Read the introduction to this writer’s life. What is significant about this particular poem? This poem is carved into Stevenson’s gravestone in Samoa. It serves as his epitaph. 2. What does the repetition of…
To an Athlete Dying Young by A.E.Housman Vocabulary threshold – doorway rout – to poke lintel – door frame Questions and Answers 1. What is posited as eternal in Housman’s poem? The poem posits that memories of the athlete’s triumphs…
Gunga Din by Rudyard Kipling 1. Who is the speaker of the poem? The poem’s speaker is a soldier of the English army fighting in India. 2. What is Gunga Din’s job? How do the others treat him? Gunga Din…
“Recessional†by Rudyard Kipling Vocabulary contrite – remorseful, apologetic pomp – splendor Questions and Answers 1. The poem, an ode, takes the form of a prayer by the speaker. For what is the speaker praying? The speaker is praying for…
The Lake Isle of Innisfree by William Butler Yeats Vocabulary wattles – twigs, reeds, and branches linnet – a small bird Questions and Answers 1. The poem is written in hexameter, with the last line of each stanza in tetrameter.…
