An Obstacle

How does the setting of the poem contribute to its central theme?

• The winding path implies that the speaker is lost, literally and figuratively, emphasizing the theme of identity.

• The speaker climbs a mountain path, which suggests an upward struggle; thus, the setting underscores the central theme of resilience in the face of adversity.

• The misty forest setting (as well as Prejudice’s strange appearance) suggests some sort of supernatural element, contributing to the theme of fear.

• The poem takes place over the course of a day and ends as the sun begins to set; thus the linear setting (a day coming to a close) contributes to the theme of death.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Part A: Which of the following statements best explains the reference to the monument of Bunker Hill in lines 35-36?

• The reference to the monument of Bunker Hill is an indication that the poem takes place in the Bunker Hill region (i.e. Massachusetts).

• The reference to the monument of Bunker Hill foreshadows the speaker's eventual defeat of the looming enemy (i.e. Prejudice).

• The speaker compares Prejudice to the monument of Bunker Hill to describe Prejudice’s physical size.

• The speaker compares Prejudice to the monument of Bunker Hill to describe Prejudice’s level of stubbornness; like the massive monument, he cannot be moved.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

Which of the following phrases best supports the answer to Part A?

• “that hulking Prejudice / Sat all across the road” (Lines 11-12)

• “I might be kneeling still / If so I hoped to move that mass / Of obdurate ill-will--” (Lines 32-34)

• “The mountain mists were rising fast, / The sun was sinking slow--” (Lines 39-40)

• “And I walked directly through him, / As if he wasn't there!” (Lines 47-48)

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which is the best summary statement that explains how the speaker responds to prejudice over the course of the poem

• The speaker first tries speaking politely to Prejudice to let her pass but he does not move.

• The Speaker realizes she can pass if she walks through him

• The Speaker tries to speak politely and reason with prejudice to let her pass, but when he refuses to move, she walks right through him

• The speaker realizes she can pass him if she walks through him,

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the word, "Obdurate," mean when it is used in line 33-34, "If so I hoped to move that mass

Of obdurate ill-will —"

• a wise person

• stubborn

• an overwhelming state of emotion

• willingness

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4