Batter My Heart

What does "three-personed God" mean?

• The trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 
• The speaker is saying that God is powerful, more superior than us.
• The speaker is referring to himself
• God and his family

 With which God might the verbs "knock" and "break" be associated?

• The Holy Spirt
• The Devil
• The Son (Jesus)
• The Father (God)

With which God might the the verbs "breathe" and "blow" be associated with?

• The Devil
• The Holy Spirit
• The Son (Jesus)
• The Father (God)

With which God might the verbs "shine" and "burn" associate with?

• The Father (God)
• The Devil
• The Holy Spirit
• The Son (Jesus)

What is the main purpose of the alliterative phrase "break, blow, burn?" 

• Reminds the reader that the speaker has done terrible things and should not be forgiven
• The speaker is asking God to treat him violently to punish him for his sins
• Reminds the reader of a destructive tendency consistant throughout the poem
• The speaker is pleading for someone to kill him because he can not live with himself anymore

When is the turning point in the poem?

• Line 7
• Line 9
• Line 5
• Line 12

How does the tone change throughout the poem?

• Begins with a calm dramatic tone and progresses into a despreate tone
• The speaker remains passive throughout the poem
• Begins with a carefree tone and progresses to an angry tone
• Begins with an angry tone and progresses to a calm tone

What is an example of a paradox in the poem? 

• That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend 
  Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
• Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend, But is captiv'd, and proves weak or untrue. 
• Divorce me, untie or break that knot again, 
  Take me to you, imprison me, for I
• Except you enthrall me, never shall be free, 
  Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me. 

What is the speaker really asking for from God? 

• To forgive him for his sins
• To leave him alone
• To punish him for his sins
• To purify his soul

Which symbol makes the most impact to the reader? 

• Romance with God
• The unhappy engagement
• The besieged town
• Contradictions