Question Set #2 - "This Life" by Rita Dove

What is the meaning of "Jubilation" in line 14?

• A feeling of sadness

• A state of confusion

• A sense of joy and celebration

• A feeling of anger

What is the meaning of “halcyon” in line 36?

• Chaotic

• Peaceful and calm

• Frightening

• Turbulent

What does “monument” mean as it is used in line 34 of the poem?

• A large stone structure

• An enduring symbol of remembrance

• A temporary structure

• A place for political gatherings

What is implied in lines 9 through 12 of the poem?

• The grandmother enjoyed baking pound cakes.

• Words hold hidden meanings and values.

• Libraries are noisy places.

• The grandmother was a quiet person.

Which phrase from the poem clarifies the narrator’s statement in line 30?

• “there’d be good days” (line 1)

• “smart enough to listen” (line 20)

• “measure his life in deeds” (line 28)

• “sometimes an institution breathes” (line 35)

Lines 1 through 4 establish the grandmother’s

• questioning nature

• vivid imagination

• cautious attitude

• optimistic outlook

Which statement conveys an idea about expressing oneself found in the poem “This Life”?

• "A book was a monument to the glory of creation." (Lines 13-14)

• "Giants come in all sizes." (Line 33)

• "Sometimes a moment is a monument." (Line 34)

• "Keeping quiet in noisy times was a sin." (Line 24)

How does the poet’s word choice in lines 25 and 26 contribute to the mood of the poem?

• It creates a feeling of excitement.

• It adds a sense of fear.

• It establishes a tone of authority.

• It conveys a sense of sadness.

What does "treasures" mean as it is used in line 12 of the poem?

• Valuables

• Problems

• Difficulties

• Rewards

What does “noisy times” mean as it is used in line 24 of the poem “This Life”?

• Times of literal noise and chaos.

• Moments of confusion.

• Periods of silence.

• Times of social or political unrest.