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.

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.

Part B: 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)

How does the final stanza contribute to the speaker's developing point of view?

• The final stanza reveals that Prejudice was only in her head.

• The final stanza reveals the speaker's own stubborn nature, contributing to the poet's

  characterization of her.

• The final stanza shows the speaker overcoming Prejudice by how she views him (i.e. by

  electing to ignore him).

• The final stanza develops the speaker's point of view because she can suddenly handle carrying the heavy load she bears.