There But for the Grace

Which sentence best describes the effect of the repetition used throughout "There But for the Grace"?

• It suggests a degree of certainty about historical events.

• It contributes to the poem’s tone of indifference toward death.

• It emphasizes ideas about circumstances and survival.

• It offers insights into memorable events from the poet’s life.

In “There But for the Grace,” the contradictions in lines 6–16 demonstrate that —

• people are in control of their own fates

• people never know what might change their fates

• a person’s choices determine what happens to them

• a person’s position in life determines what happens to them

Read line 22 from “There But for the Grace.”

The net had one eyehole, and you got through it?

Which statement provides the best interpretation of this metaphor?

•   With a lot of luck, every situation turns out exactly as planned.

• If the first attempt fails, don’t hesitate to wish for a lucky break.

• Even when chances are poor, it is possible to succeed.

• Despite things going wrong, there’s no need to worry.

Which two statements best convey the message of the poem?

• Appreciate each day because it is so precious.

• People don’t know how close they came to a different life.

• No matter how much time people have, they will want more.

• Random events can mean life or death.

How does the structure of the poem contribute to the development of the ideas in the poem?

• The line contradictions help to establish a uncertain tone.

• The lines show that we all face challenges and that our fates are determined by our actions.

• The lines suggest a unity that exists between each of us.

• The lines suggest that we should accept our fates.