Flashcard on 'A Miracle for Breakfast' by Elizabeth Bishop

Front

What do some people do with their crumbs?

Back

Throw them into the river.

Front

What time are the people waiting for food in the poem?

Back

Six o'clock.

Front

What does the dining table symbolize in the poem?

Back

Social hierarchy and power.

Front

What does the word 'charitable' suggest about the food?

Back

It is a gift from someone wealthy.

Front

What do the people hope the crumb will turn into?

Back

A loaf of bread.

Front

What is the significance of the title 'A Miracle for Breakfast'?

Back

It suggests the unexpected nature of receiving food, highlighting themes of hope and scarcity.

Front

How does Elizabeth Bishop use imagery in the poem?

Back

She creates vivid pictures of the setting and emotions, enhancing the reader's connection to the themes.

Front

What role does the setting play in 'A Miracle for Breakfast'?

Back

The setting reflects the social conditions and the characters' experiences, emphasizing themes of inequality.

Front

What is the tone of the poem?

Back

The tone is reflective and somewhat melancholic, capturing the complexities of human experience.

Front

How does the poem address the theme of hope?

Back

It illustrates the characters' longing for sustenance and the small miracles that can arise from scarcity.