Half Hanged Mary by Margaret Atwood

Front

What historical event does 'Half Hanged Mary' allude to?

Back

The Salem Witch Trials.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

What is zeugma, and how is it used in 'Half Hanged Mary'?

Back

Zeugma is a rhetorical device that connects two or more ideas; in the poem, it emphasizes that choking inhibits both words and air.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

What does the sun symbolize in the line 'Sun comes up, huge and blaring, no longer a simile for God'?

Back

The sun is no longer a symbol of renewal and hope.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

What does the 'medallion of my ordeal' represent in the poem?

Back

It symbolizes the speaker's transformation.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

What does the question 'Or is it, Lord?' convey about the speaker's state of mind?

Back

The speaker is uncertain about the power of prayer.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

What is the significance of the title 'Half Hanged Mary'?

Back

It reflects the theme of survival and the liminal state between life and death.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

How does the poem explore themes of gender and power?

Back

It critiques the historical oppression of women and highlights Mary’s resilience.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

What role does imagery play in 'Half Hanged Mary'?

Back

Imagery enhances the emotional impact and illustrates the speaker's suffering.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

What is the effect of the poem's structure on its meaning?

Back

The structure reflects the chaotic and fragmented experience of the speaker.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.11

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

How does Atwood use symbolism in 'Half Hanged Mary'?

Back

Symbolism is used to convey deeper meanings about identity, suffering, and transformation.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2