PART A: Which of the following identifies the theme of the poem?

• People often fear those who choose not to conform to the majority.

• It is much easier to plant flowers in a pot rather than in the ground.

• Being different can be isolating, but it leads to true independence and happiness.

• People who must overcome difficult circumstances are often stronger.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

PART B: Which detail from the poem best supports the answer to Part A? 

Theme: Being different can be isolating, but it leads to true independence and happiness.

• "always watered, fed, guarded, admired" (Line 2)

• "beyond the mountains of time or into the abyss of the bizarre." (Line 12)

• "where they're praised, handled, and plucked" (Line 17)

• "If I could stand alone, strong and free" (Line 21)

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

PART A: How does the poet's description of the weed contribute to the meaning of the poem?

•  It emphasizes the wild nature of the weed, which shows the thrill of uncontrolled freedom.

• It portrays the weed as dangerous to the other flowers, which explains why the weed is isolated.

• It portrays the weed as angry that it is unwanted, and this emphasizes the pain of isolation.

• It presents the weed as quietly beautiful, and this challenges traditional ideas of beauty.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.5

PART B: Which section from the poem best supports the answer to Part A? 

Answer: It emphasizes the wild nature of the weed, which shows the thrill of uncontrolled freedom.

•  "but harnessed to a pot of dirt." (Line 3)

• "to live, to feel exposed to the madness" (Line 8)

• "I'd rather be unseen" (Line 13)

• "growing in clusters in the fertile valley" (Line 16)

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

What type of figurative language is used in the underlined part of the line below?

wind-wavering above high, jagged rocks (Line 6)

• Metaphor

• Onomatopoeia

• Alliteration

• Simile

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.5

How does the 4th stanza contribute to the meaning in the poem?

•  It reveals the author’s preference for independence rather 

  than admiration from others.

• It shows how much the author loves pleasant-smelling flowers.

• It expresses the author’s desire to travel and explore the 

  world.

• It suggests that the author is confused about his identity.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.5

What type of figurative language is used in the line below?

Let them be as flowers  (Line 1)

• Metaphor

• Onomatopoeia

• Alliteration

• Simile

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

Which item below is given a negative connotation by the AUTHOR of the poem?

• Weeds

• Flowers

• Sea

• Rocks

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.5