Themes and Characters in 'Sestina'

The poem 'Sestina' by Elizabeth Bishop explores themes of sadness, memory, and the passage of time through the interactions of a grandmother and child in a kitchen. The almanac and stove serve as symbols, while the child's drawings reflect innocence and creativity. The imagery of tears and rain highlights the emotional undercurrents, culminating in a poignant conclusion.

What is the setting of the poem 'Sestina' by Elizabeth Bishop?

• A rainy September day

• A sunny beach

• A bustling city

• A snowy mountain

Who are the main characters introduced at the beginning of the poem?

• A teacher and a student

• A young couple

• A grandmother and a child

• Two friends

What does the grandmother use to hide her tears?

• A newspaper

• A book of poems

• Jokes from the almanac

• A song

What does the grandmother believe about her tears and the rain?

• They were predicted by the almanac

• They are a coincidence

• They are caused by the child

• They are a sign of good luck

What activity is the child engaged in while the grandmother prepares tea?

• Playing with toys

• Reading a book

• Drawing a picture

• Watching the teakettle's steam

What does the almanac do when it is hung up?

• Disappears

• Catches fire

• Falls to the ground

• Hovers above the child

What does the grandmother do to make the house feel warmer?

• Closes the windows

• Lights a candle

• Puts more wood in the stove

• Turns on the heater

What is the significance of the almanac in the poem?

• It is a source of jokes

• It is a family heirloom

• It predicts the weather

• It symbolizes knowledge and fate

What does the child draw with crayons?

• A rigid house and a man with buttons like tears

• A family portrait

• A sunny day

• A garden

What does the Marvel Stove claim?

• It knows the future

• It is broken

• It needs cleaning

• It is too hot