Poem Analysis Quiz

Which word best characterizes the speaker in the first stanza of the poem?

• Critical

• Objective

• Sympathetic

• Indifferent

The use of "swallow" in line 2 is an example of personification. What effect does it have on the poem?

• It reveals how hungry the mirror is for new images to consume.

• It suggests the mirror reflects anything blocking its view of the wall.

• It conveys the way the mirror completely consumes whatever it sees.

• It shows the mirror's ability to change its appearance.

The metaphor "eye of a little god" in line 5 gives the impression that the mirror —

• is serious

• is cruel

• sees all

• is judgmental

What does the speaker mean by "I am silver and exact" in line 1?

• The mirror is expensive and valuable.

• The mirror is precise and unbiased.

• The mirror is old and tarnished.

• The mirror is fragile and delicate.

What is the significance of the phrase "Faces and darkness separate us over and over" in line 9?

• It shows the mirror's dislike for faces.

• It highlights the mirror's constant change of view.

• It emphasizes the mirror's loneliness.

• It indicates the mirror's fear of darkness.

What type of figurative language is being used in line 10?

• onomatopoeia

• metaphor

• simile

Who is ‘me’ referring to in line 10?

• the mirror

• the lake

• the woman

When turning to those liars, the candles or the moon in line 12, the woman —

• avoids discovering her true self

• recognizes her true identity

• sees her true physical beauty

What does line 14 suggest about the speaker of the poem?

• It suggests the speaker wants to communicate with the woman.

• It suggests the speaker enjoys watching the woman cry.

• It confirms that the speaker is indifferent toward the woman’s feelings.

The two short sentences in line 15 of the poem contribute to a tone of —

• detachment

• cynicism

• sarcasm

• joy