Analysis of Poem - This Life by Rita Dove

Which theme is present in the poem?

• The importance of family traditions

• The significance of perseverance

• The dangers of remaining silent

• The joys of cooking

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the cluster of grapes represent in the poem?

• A symbol of abundance and prosperity

• A metaphor for wisdom

• An analogy for the narrator's achievements

• A representation of family traditions

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

The tone of this selection can best be described as -

• Reverent

• Melancholic

• Inspirational

• Critical

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The figurative language in lines 9 and 10 highlights the grandmother’s

• desire to avoid conflicts

• tendency to keep secrets

• strategy to impart wisdom

• ability to create humor

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

In lines 19 through 21, the poet’s tone can be best described as -

• Sarcastic

• Optimistic

• Despairing

• Humorous

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

How does the grandmother's advice to "try as hard as you can every minute you're given or else sit down and shut up" (lines 23-25) reflect the overarching theme of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity throughout the poem?

• It suggests that giving up in difficult times is acceptable as long as one tries their best initially.

• It emphasizes the importance of remaining silent and enduring hardships passively.

• It highlights the grandmother's belief in the necessity of continuous effort and determination to overcome obstacles.

• It implies that success is solely determined by luck and circumstance rather than personal effort.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the poet’s use of figurative language in lines 13 and 14 convey to the reader?

• A sense of bitterness and regret, as the grapes represent missed opportunities.

• The idea of abundance and joy, symbolizing the richness of life and experiences.

• A feeling of confusion and uncertainty, as the imagery is unclear and ambiguous.

• The notion of decay and decline, suggesting that even joyful moments are fleeting.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

The overall tone of the poem can best be described as

• objective

• respectful

• skeptical

• critical

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

How does the tone of the poem “This Life” contribute to the portrayal of its theme of resilience and perseverance?

• The tone is somber and melancholic, reflecting the challenges faced by the speaker.

• The tone is upbeat and optimistic, highlighting the speaker's determination to overcome obstacles.

• The tone is indifferent and detached, suggesting a lack of emotional investment in overcoming adversity.

• The tone is sarcastic and mocking, undermining the significance of resilience and perseverance.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

The personification in lines 32 and 33 emphasizes the grandmother’s

• small size

• commanding presence

• family history

• successful career

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9