'Nettles' Analysis Quiz

What is the poem "Nettles" mainly about?

• A young boy playing with his friends

• A father taking revenge on nettles after they hurt his son

• A battle between two soldiers

• A farmer removing weeds from his garden

What literary technique is used when the poet describes the nettles as "green spears"?

• Simile

• Onomatopoeia

• Metaphor

• Alliteration

How does the father react after his son is hurt by the nettles?

• He ignores it.

• He cuts down the nettles with a slash hook.

• He calls for help.

• He leaves the nettles to grow again.

What does the poet compare the nettles to in the phrase "fierce parade"?

• Parades of people during a festival

• Soldiers standing in straight lines

• Trees swaying in the wind

• Children marching in a playground

True or False: The father knows that his son will never be hurt again after the nettles are cut down.

• True

• False

True or False: The boy’s injuries are described as "blisters beaded" to show the extent of his pain.

• True

• False

True or False: The father believes that cutting down the nettles will prevent future pain for his son.

• True

• False

Explain how the poet uses military imagery in the poem to describe the nettles.

• The nettles are described as soldiers in a regiment.

• The nettles are described as gentle and harmless.

• The nettles are described as a peaceful garden.

• The nettles are described as a group of children.

What does the final line of the poem suggest about the father’s ability to protect his son?

• The father is confident in his ability to protect his son.

• The father is unsure about his ability to protect his son.

• The father believes he can protect his son from all harm.

• The father feels helpless in protecting his son from all harm.

Describe the contrast between the nettles and the boy as seen in the poem. What does this contrast highlight?

• The nettles are gentle, and the boy is strong.

• The nettles are harmless, and the boy is in pain.

• The nettles are aggressive, and the boy is vulnerable.

• The nettles are weak, and the boy is powerful.