"Speaks of Rivers" Poem

How does the repeating structure of the lines in the first stanza contribute to the meaning of the poem?

• by connecting the speaker to historical rivers

• by describing how rivers have changed over time

• by showing why the rivers can cause people to dream

• by explaining why the speaker has abandoned the rivers

What does the phrase when dawns were young in line 5 most likely indicate about the time period being discussed?

• The earth was still new.

• The days did not last as long.

• The speaker was a child then.

• The speaker can barely remember.

What is the meaning of lulled as it appears in the text?

• calmed

• tricked

• defended

• frightened

What is the connotation of muddy?

• negative

• positive

• neutral

How does the phrase turn all golden relate to the word muddy?

• It shows the destruction by fire of nature’s beauty.

• It shows the transformation to something beautiful.

• It shows how both the earth and the sun are ruined.

• It shows how both the earth and the sun are celebrated.

How does the allusion to Lincoln in these lines contribute to their meaning?

• by explaining how the river was discovered

• by explaining the pain that the river has caused

• by explaining the best time of day to visit the river

• by explaining why the river has become a site of celebration

What is a theme of the poem?

• History can be changed.

• Nature presents unique dangers.

• Travel can inspire with new ideas.

• People are connected to their pasts.

How does the poet develop this theme?

• by warning about the force of different rivers

• by connecting himself as a black man to different periods of time

• by describing different trips one can take around the world

• by arguing for a different understanding of historical events