The Pebble and the Acorn

How do lines 26-36 contribute to the development of the plot?

• The lines establish the Pebble’s annoyance with the appearance of the Acorn.

• The lines establish the similarity between the Pebble’s small size and the Acorn’s small size.

• The lines establish the Pebble’s anger toward the Acorn after it fell from the tree above onto the ground.

• The lines establish the difference between the Pebble’s boastful attitude and the Acorn’s modest attitude.

Which set of lines from the poem supports the theme that value should not be judged by first impressions?

• “And she felt for a time at a loss to know

  How to answer a thing so rude and low.

  But to give criticism of a nobler sort

  Than the angry look, or the sharp retort,” (lines 21-24)

• “But it was not long before the soil was broke

  By the peering head of an infant oak!

  And, as it arose and its branches spread,

  The Pebble looked up, and wondering, said,” (lines 37-40)

• “‘An ordinary Acorn; never to tell

  What was enclosed in its simple shell!

  That the pride of the forest was folded up

  In the narrow space of its little cup!’” (lines 41-44)

• “‘But never, from this, shall a boasting word

  From this shamed Pebble again be heard,

  Till something without me or within,

  Shall show the purpose for which I’ve been!’” (lines 53-56)

How does the Pebble change from the beginning of the poem to the end?

• from aggressive to friendly

• from confident to humble

• from satisfied to disappointed

• from small to large

Choose two sets of lines from the poem that support the inference that the Pebble has been sitting on its spot for a long time.

• “‘Nor time nor season can alter me;I am abiding, while ages flee.’” (lines 3-4)“, ‘Nor time nor season can alter me; I am abiding, while ages flee.’” (lines 3-4)

  “‘There’s none that can tell about my birth,For I’m as old as the big, round earth.’” (lines 9-10)

• “‘I am a Pebble! but who art thou,Rattling along from the twitchy bough?’” (lines 15-16)“‘I am a Pebble! but who art thou, Rattling along from the twitchy bough?’” (lines 15-16)

  “‘And oh! how many will step on me,To come and admire the beautiful tree,’” (lines 47-48)

• “‘Above such a worthless thing as I!

  Useless and vain, a cumberer here,’” (lines 50-51)

• “The Pebble its vow could not forget,

  And it lies there wrapped in silence yet.” (lines 57-58)

What is the meaning of the figurative language in lines 17-20?

• It was the Acorn’s first time meeting the impolite Pebble.

• The Acorn injured itself falling from the tree and needs help.

• It was the Acorn’s dream to leave its branch.

• The Acorn fell on top of the Pebble and split it into small pieces.

What is the meaning of the word subdued in line 34?

• angered or displeased

• disappeared or vanished

• questioned or doubted

• restrained or softened

How does the poet develop the point of view of the Acorn?

• The poet provides the Acorn’s thoughts and feelings.

• The poet provides a description of the Acorn’s appearance and actions.

• The poet provides details of the Acorn’s previous perspective from the branch.

• The poet provides insight into the Acorn’s enjoyable experience on the ground.

Read lines 1-2.

“I am a Pebble! and surrender to none!”Were swelling words of a tiny stone;How does the phrase “swelling words” impact the tone of the poem?

• by emphasizing the prideful nature of the Pebble

• by illustrating the Pebble’s talkative disposition

• by highlighting the aggressive personality of the Pebble

• by detailing the Pebble’s excitable attitude

Read lines 11-14.

“The children of men arise, and passOut of the world, like the blades of grass;And many a foot on me has trod,That’s gone from sight, and under the sod!”What is the meaning of the simile?

• Nothing can remain young forever.

• Both human life and nature are temporary.

• People rarely venture out into the world around them.

• Nature grows without regard for its surroundings.

Which set of lines from the poem supports the inference that the Pebble has been sitting on its spot for a long time?

• “‘Nor time nor season can alter me;

  I am abiding, while ages flee.’” (lines 3-4)

• “‘I am a Pebble! but who art thou,

  Rattling along from the twitchy bough?’” (lines 15-16)

• “‘And oh! how many will step on me,

  To come and admire the beautiful tree,’” (lines 47-48)

• “The Pebble its vow could not forget,And it lies there wrapped in silence yet.” (lines 57-58)