WorksheetsPractice for "Spirit Walking in the Tundra"
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 2hrs 38mins
The title of the poem makes an allusion to the Native American tradition of the spirit walk. Which of the following quotes from the poem tells you how the speaker would define the phrase "spirit walk?"
"We do not need history in books to tell us who we are / Or where we come from"
“The spirit of the tundra stands with us, and we collect sunlight together”
“Up here, we are near the opening in the Earth’s head, the place where the spirit leaves and returns”
“There is a shaking, and then you are in mystery.”
What effect do the line breaks have on the poem’s rhythm, mood, or tone? Why do you think the poet chose to break the lines where she did?
The line breaks create a cheerful tone through the imagery of nature. The poet did this to emphasize how beautiful Alaska is.
The line breaks create a steady rhythm. The poet did this so the reader would be able to read the poem easier.
The line breaks create a thoughtful mood through unnatural pauses mid-sentence. The poet did this to make the reader think about the deeper meaning of each line.
The line breaks create a dramatic tone through splitting sentences. The poet did this to add a sense of mystery to a poem about nature.
A key idea explored in the poem is the impact of-
Technology on nature
Distance on one’s friendship
Place on one’s identity
Parents on their children
How do lines 9-11 reinforce a theme of the poem?
They show a relationship between native people and nature
They remind the speaker that she is far from home
They introduce tension between the speaker and her friend
They demonstrate how hard life is for native people
The imagery in line 24 is used to suggest -
The stillness of the tundra
The energizing effects of the walk
The speaker’s distaste for the landscape
The speaker’s preference for being outdoors
The mood created by the last line of the poem is-
Peaceful
Fearful
Joyful
Solemn
For which two reasons does the poet most likely use personification in line 1?
to indicate how quickly the plane is moving
to describe the movement of the plane’s shadow
to imply that the speaker is reluctant to arrive at her destination
to suggest that the flight is related to the speaker’s spirit walk
to foreshadow the darkness that awaits
Line 12 is much shorter than the lines before it. How does this impact its meaning?
It reveals how out of place the home looks.
It shows the difference between the home and the outdoors.
It indicates how uncomfortable the speaker feels in the home.
It reinforces the idea that home is more than a physical place.
Which two responses best describe the irony in lines 13–16?
The son says one thing but does another.
The son says one thing but believes another.
The son’s words contrast with the thoughts of the speaker.
The son’s actions contrast modern technology and traditional culture.
The son’s actions contrast a casual pastime and a serious endeavor.
Read line 20 of the poem.
She is wearing designs like flowers, and a fur of ice.
The imagery in this line emphasizes —.
the contrast between the beauty of spring and the dreariness of winter
the connection between the woman and nature
the contrast between the violence of nature and the innocence of the woman
the similarity between natural and human-made materials
Why does the speaker repeat Up here in the last two lines of the poem?
to question the spiritual nature of the setting
to show how the past influences the present
to make a connection between sadness and happiness
to emphasize the unique characteristics of the location
Read line 17 of the poem.
Little purple flowers come up from the permafrost.
Which statement best describes the effect of this imagery on the poem?
It establishes that the setting is cold and barren.
It shows that life can exist in harsh environments.
It provides insight into the tradition of the spirit walk.
It strengthens the connection between people and nature.
How do the following lines reinforce the theme of the poem?
We drive to the launching place
And see walrus hunters set out toward the sea.
We swing to the summer camps where seal hangs on
drying frames.
They show a relationship between Alaska natives and nature.
They remind the speaker that she is far from home.
They introduce tension between the speaker and her friend.
They demonstrate how hard life is for Alaska natives.
Read the following lines:
The plane is so heavy with cargo load it vibrates our bones.
Like the pressure made by light cracking ice.
Which word best describes how the speaker of the poem feels on the flight to Nome?
Anxious
Somber
Surprised
Which nation was Joy Harjo a part of?
Navajo Nation
Osage Nation
Mvskoke Nation
Sioux Nation
