cocoon-Understanding Key Vocabulary in Poetry

What does the word "mourning" mean in the poem?

In the poem: "There’s a part of me that keeps mourning for the soft cocoon where I lay."

• Feeling deep happiness

• Expressing deep sorrow or grief

• Searching for something eagerly

• Celebrating an achievement

In the sentence, "He was pining for his childhood home," what does "pining" most likely mean?

• Decorating

• Longing intensely for

• Cleaning

• Ignoring

What is a "chrysalis" in the context of the poem?

In the poem: "delicate chrysalis smashed and destroyed before my eyes that day."

• The soft cocoon where the speaker lays

• The act of mourning

• The stage of development of an insect

• The end of something

If someone is "caught between compulsions," what does it mean?

• They are feeling happy and content.

• They are stuck between two irresistible urges.

• They are engaged in a casual conversation.

• They are confused about their feelings.

What are "consolations" as described in the poem?

In the poem: "craving those soft consolations."

• Acts of bravery

• Comfort or solace provided to someone who is distressed

• Intense fear and submission

• The end of a journey

Which word in the poem means "crouch down in fear or submissiveness"?

• Threatening

• Contrary

• Cowering

• Compulsions

What does "threatening" mean as an adjective in the poem?

In the poem: "from the threatening fires."

• Expressing an intention to harm or punish

• Providing comfort and solace

• Longing for something intensely

• Applauding something

What does "contrary" mean in the line, "All this makes me wonder greatly about contrary desires"?

• Expressing deep sorrow

• Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning

• Longing for freedom

• Offering consolation

In the line, "The audience applauded the outstanding performance," what does "applauded" mean?

• Cowered in fear

• Expressed deep sorrow

• Expressed approval and praise

• Desired something intensely

What is the meaning of "demise" in the sentence, "The demise of the old factory marked the end of an era"?

• Transformation

• Success

• Death or end

• Applause for an outstanding performance