"The Fountain" Poem

Select two words from the poem that are used to describe the fountain as nonstop and neverending.

• Leaping

• Rushing

• Blithemsome

• Ceaseless

• Constant

Why did the poet most likely write the poem?

• to illustrate the beauty of an outdoor water fountain

• to explain to readers how an outdoor water fountain works

• to inform readers about the effects of weather on a fountain’s spray

• to reveal the poet’s desire for his life to reflect the same traits as the

  fountain’s spray

Part A

What had the greatest effect on the fountain’s spray?

• snow

• starlight

• sunshine

• wind

Part B

Which lines from the poem support the answer in Part A?

• Leaping and flashing / From morn till night;

• Full of a nature / Nothing can tame,

• Waving so flower-like / When the winds blow;

• Darkness or sunshine / Thy element;

According to the poem, how did the speaker feel about the fountain?

• He felt that nothing could stop a fountain from working.

• He enjoyed watching the fountain spray water.

• He wished he could be outside in all kinds of weather like the fountain.

• He wished his life was as unchangeable as the fountain’s spray.

Personification is giving human-like characteristics to an animal, non-living

object, or an idea. Which line from the poem is an example of personification?

• Into the sunshine,

• When the wind blows;

  
  

• Happy by day;

• Upward or downward,

Which word best describes the mood of lines 1 through 16 of the poem?

• carefree

• emotional

• friendly

• peaceful