What Love Isn't

Which of the following best describes the central theme of the poem?

• Love is always pleasant and easy.

• Love is unpredictable and often challenging.

• Love is like a fairytale or a movie.

• Love is simple and sweet.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the effect of the poet repeating the word “always” in the lines “always herb, always salt”?

• To show that love is consistent and sweet

• To emphasize the harshness of love

• To highlight that love is a constant but complex presence

• To suggest that love is boring and routine

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

What does the poet most likely mean by saying “It stinks — you can / smell it coming”?

• Love has a foul odor.

• Love is so strong it can be sensed before it arrives.

• Love is dangerous and should be avoided.

• Love is only about physical attraction.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.7.10

Which line from the poem uses figurative language to describe the nature of love?

• “It is not a five star stay.”

• “It is discomfort — it is”

• “It is now and till the end.”

• “It is difficult”

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.7.4

How does the poet’s use of structure—short lines and line breaks—contribute to the meaning of the poem?

• It makes the poem easier to memorize.

• It adds a musical rhythm similar to a song.

• It reflects the complexity and unpredictability of love.

• It shortens the poem to fit a single page.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10