Japanese Wood-Carving Poem

Which is a theme of the poem?

• Art can harness the beauty of the outside world.

• There is a quiet peace that exists in nature.

• Wood carving is an impressive artistic feat.

• The ocean is vibrant and full of life.

Which line from the poem supports the inference that the carving may be old and timeworn?

• "It hangs, a piece of wood with colors dim." (line 2)

• "The winter snows had ben its branches down," (line 6)

• It does not speak of mossy forest ways," (line 16)

• "Hanging above the high, wide open door," (line 35)

What is the meaning of the simile in line 8?

• The tree was burned down.

• The tree was strong and vibrant.

• The tree was tall and covered with red leaves.

• The tree was unaccustomed to high temperatures.

Read the excerpts from the poem.

....the happy, sunny wind....(line 22)

....and scream for very joy (line 25)

And play with ocean.... (line 34)

How does the word choice affect the meaning of the poem.

• by highlighting the skill of the artist

• by suggesting that animals behave similarly to humans

• by highlighting the emotions conveyed in the art

• by suggesting that nature cannot be contained

Which choice explains a similarity in the structure of both "Salmon Boy" and "Japanese Wood-Carving."

• Both use dialogue to create a conflict centered around nature

• Both use flashbacks to explain the background history of the characters

• Both use figurative language to convey the internal feelings of the characters

• Both use descriptions of ocean life to emphasize respect for nature

"Salmon Boy" relies primarily on third person narration, while "Japanese Wood-Carving" relies mainly on the first-person narration. How do the differing structures contribute to the meanings of the passage and the poem?

• The differing structures express the longings of the main character and the speaker to become more attuned to nature/

• The differing structures highlight the responses of the main character and the speaker to changes in seasons.

• The differing structures reveal the importance of nature to the main character and the speaker.

• The differing structures illustrate the familial connections both the main character and the speaker possess.

Which set of lines from the poem shows the artist's attention to detail in the wood carving?

• "Once, long ago, it was a waving tree

  And knew the sun and shadow through the leaves" (lines 3-4)

• "While autumn pelted it with chestnut burrs,

  And strewed the leafy ground with acorn coups." (lines 9-10)

• "Their dripping feathers shining in the sun,

  While the wet drops like little glints of light," (lines 28-29)

• "The spirits of the sky deigning to stoop

  And play with ocean in a summer mood." (lines 33-34)