Poetry Puzzle Escape Challenge

A poem describes a stormy night using words like "howling wind" and "crashing thunder." What mood is the poet trying to create, and what evidence from the poem supports your answer?

• A peaceful mood, because the words describe calm weather.

• A scary mood, because the words "howling" and "crashing" suggest danger and noise.

• A happy mood, because storms are fun.

• A boring mood, because nothing is happening.

You read a poem where the speaker compares themselves to a tree standing tall in the wind. What does this comparison suggest about the speaker, and why?

• The speaker is short.

• The speaker is strong and resilient, like a tree that stands firm in a storm.

• The speaker likes trees.

• The speaker is afraid of the wind.

A poet uses the phrase "the sun smiled down on us." What type of figurative language is this, and how does it affect the meaning of the poem?

• Simile; it makes the sun seem sad.

• Personification; it gives the sun human qualities, making the day feel warm and friendly.

• Metaphor; it compares the sun to a person.

• Hyperbole; it exaggerates the sun's power.

You are given a poem with the following lines: "Leaves whisper secrets in the breeze, Dancing softly, never at ease." What is the poet most likely trying to show about the leaves, and what evidence supports your answer?

• The leaves are loud and noisy.

• The leaves are still and unmoving.

• The leaves are moving gently and seem restless, as shown by "whisper" and "never at ease."

• The leaves are falling off the tree.

A poem ends with the line, "And hope grew like a flower in the spring." What does this simile suggest about hope, and why did the poet choose this comparison?

• Hope is small and weak.

• Hope is growing and becoming stronger, just like a flower in spring.

• Hope is a type of flower.

• Hope disappears quickly.

You are reading a poem about a journey. The poet repeats the phrase "step by step" throughout the poem. What is the effect of this repetition, and what does it tell you about the journey?

• It makes the poem boring.

• It emphasizes that the journey is slow and requires patience.

• It means the journey is easy.

• It shows the journey is dangerous.

A poem describes a character who "wears a mask of smiles." What does this phrase mean, and what evidence from the poem might support your answer?

• The character is always happy.

• The character pretends to be happy but is hiding their true feelings.

• The character likes masks.

• The character is at a party.

You are given two poems about rain. One describes rain as "gentle music," and the other as "cold daggers." How do the poets' word choices affect the mood of each poem?

• Both poems feel the same.

• The first poem feels calm and soothing, while the second feels harsh and uncomfortable.

• Both poems are scary.

• Both poems are happy.

A poem uses the line, "The mountain stood guard over the valley." What does this personification suggest about the mountain, and why might the poet have chosen this image?

• The mountain is alive.

• The mountain is protecting the valley, making it seem strong and watchful.

• The mountain is moving.

• The mountain is dangerous.

You are reading a poem where the speaker says, "My heart is a locked box." What does this metaphor mean, and what evidence from the poem could support your answer?

• The speaker has a box.

• The speaker keeps their feelings hidden and does not share them easily.

• The speaker is rich.

• The speaker is lost.