English Poetry Quiz: Emily Dickinson And Walt Whitman Poems!

In the poem "Out of the Cradle," the sea tells Whitman that the ultimate truth or realization it imparts is the concept of death. This suggests that death is a powerful and all-encompassing force that surpasses all other aspects of life. It signifies the inevitability and finality of death, which is a recurring theme in Whitman's poetry. The sea's message of death may also symbolize the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

"Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking" by Whitman can be best described as an elegy. This is because the poem mourns the loss of a loved one, in this case, the death of a bird's mate. The speaker expresses deep sorrow and longing for the lost companion throughout the poem. The elegiac tone and themes of loss and grief make it fitting to classify the poem as an elegy.

In "Because I could not stop for Death," death is personified as a gentleman. This is evident in the poem's description of Death picking up the speaker in a carriage and taking her on a leisurely ride. The gentlemanly nature of Death is further emphasized through his courteous behavior and the calm and peaceful atmosphere during the journey. This personification of Death as a gentleman suggests a more comforting and less frightening portrayal of death, aligning with the poem's theme of accepting mortality as a natural part of life.

Walt Whitman suggests that the grass is a reminder of God's existence. He describes it as a scented gift and rememberancer designedly dropped by the Lord, implying that the grass serves as a tangible symbol of God's presence in the world. This interpretation aligns with the idea that nature can be a source of spiritual connection and serves as evidence of a higher power.

Whitman probably means that the grass symbolizes something universal or common to all people. Just like hieroglyphics, which were a form of communication understood by everyone in ancient Egypt, the grass carries a meaning that is universally understood by all. It suggests that the grass is a symbol of unity and shared experiences, transcending individual differences and interpretations.

The correct answer is "contradicts himself." In this line, Whitman is expressing the idea that he contains many different aspects or contradictions within himself. He acknowledges that he is not a singular, consistent entity, but rather a complex and multifaceted individual. This statement reflects Whitman's embrace of contradictions and his belief in the vastness and diversity of human experience.

Whitman's statement "Creeds and schools in abeyance, retirting back a while sufficed at what they are" suggests that he wants to temporarily put aside differences. By using the term "abeyance," he implies that creeds and schools (representing different beliefs and ideologies) should be temporarily set aside or suspended. This indicates a desire for unity and a focus on what unites people rather than what divides them. Whitman likely believes that by doing so, people can come together and find common ground, fostering understanding and harmony.

The lecture suggests that Emily Dickinson's poetry is of a romantic nature. This implies that her poetry is characterized by themes of love, nature, and emotions. It also suggests that her writing style may be lyrical and expressive, focusing on individual experiences and inner thoughts. Overall, the lecture indicates that Dickinson's poetry aligns with the characteristics commonly associated with the romantic movement in literature.

"Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking" is an example of a Kunstleroman, which is a type of novel that focuses on the development and growth of an artist. In this poem by Walt Whitman, the narrator recounts a transformative experience in his childhood that inspires him to become a poet. The poem explores themes of artistic expression, the power of nature, and the journey of self-discovery, making it a fitting example of a Kunstleroman.

In "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking," the bird's "aria" is accompanied by the sea. This suggests that the bird's song is intertwined with the sounds and rhythms of the ocean, creating a harmonious and natural melody. The sea serves as a backdrop and a source of inspiration for the bird's song, enhancing its beauty and significance.

In Dickinson's poem "I felt a Funeral, in my brain," the speaker's feeling of a "hangover" is suggested by the image of feeling "As all the Heavens were a Bell" and her being but an "ear." This suggests that the speaker is overwhelmed by the loud and constant tolling of the funeral bells, which is causing her distress and disorientation. The image of being an "ear" emphasizes her passive role in this experience, as she is unable to escape or control the overwhelming sounds.

The poem "Out of the Cradle" by Whitman can be considered a bildungsroman because it portrays the journey of personal growth and development. The phrase "coming of age" refers to the transition from childhood to adulthood, and the poem explores this theme by depicting the speaker's realization of their place in the world and their understanding of life's complexities. Through the exploration of love, life, and the cycle of life, the poem showcases the speaker's maturation and the lessons they learn along the way, making it fitting to be categorized as a bildungsroman.

Whitman's poetry can be considered "democratic" because it is written for everyone, regardless of their social status or background. It aims to include and represent all individuals, making it accessible to a wide audience. Additionally, his poetry explores the universal feelings and sensations that all humans experience, further emphasizing its democratic nature.

Whitman probably means that he is possessed by the soul of the bird. This suggests a strong connection between Whitman and the bird, where the bird's spirit has taken hold of him. It implies that the bird has a profound influence on Whitman, possibly inspiring or affecting him in some way. The term "demon" in this context might not carry a negative connotation but rather signifies a powerful and captivating force that has taken over Whitman's being.

In "Songs of Myself," the lecture suggests that both a lonely woman and Whitman himself possibly watch the twenty-nine young men bathing in the sea. This implies that both the woman and Whitman are observers of this scene, indicating that they may find it intriguing or captivating in some way. The mention of both a lonely woman and Whitman himself as possible watchers suggests that multiple perspectives and interpretations can be derived from this particular scene.

The mockingbird's song has a permanent effect on Whitman by making him a poet. This suggests that the beauty and inspiration of the mockingbird's song ignite Whitman's creativity and passion for writing poetry. The melody and symbolism of the mockingbird's song likely resonates with Whitman, prompting him to express his thoughts and emotions through the art of poetry.

In "Song of Myself," Whitman's initial thought about the grass is that it represents all of us. He sees the grass as a symbol of unity and interconnectedness, suggesting that we are all part of a larger whole. The grass represents the collective human experience and reminds us of our shared existence. Whitman celebrates the diversity and inclusivity of humanity, finding a sense of belonging and identity in the grass.

In the poem, Emily Dickinson uses the metaphor of a ship to convey her emotions and experiences. The lines "Done with the Compass/ Done with the Chart" suggest that she has completed her journey and has arrived at her destination, which is symbolized by the word "port." This implies that she has reached a state of emotional fulfillment or contentment, where she no longer needs guidance or direction. Therefore, the correct answer is that, like a ship, she is done with her journey and is in "port."

In "Song of Myself," the speaker refers to the grass as saying "I give the same, I receive the same." This line suggests that the grass, like the speaker, understands the interconnectedness of all things and the cycle of giving and receiving. It symbolizes a sense of equality and unity in nature, where everything is interconnected and dependent on each other. The grass represents the idea that all beings are equal and deserving of the same respect and consideration.

"Lyric" poetry refers to a type of poetry that focuses on the poet's personal emotions and insights. This type of poetry allows the poet to express their own feelings and thoughts, often in a subjective and introspective manner. It does not necessarily have to be about relationships or be written in the first person, although it commonly is. Therefore, the correct answer is that lyric poetry is about the poet's own insights and emotions.

In the poem "A Certain Slant of Light," the speaker compares the feeling of winter light to the "heft" of cathedral tunes. This comparison suggests that the light has a weighty, solemn, and even spiritual quality to it, similar to the powerful and resonant melodies that fill a cathedral. The use of the word "heft" implies that both the light and the tunes have a profound impact on the speaker, evoking a sense of awe, reverence, and perhaps melancholy.

In Emily Dickinson's poem "I never lost as much but twice," the speaker reflects on loss and the impact it has had on her life. The correct answer is "people she cares about." Throughout the poem, the speaker acknowledges that losing loved ones has been the most significant loss she has experienced. This is evident in lines such as "And though I may have lost the sky" and "I've lost the heaven." The poem emphasizes the emotional pain and grief that comes with losing people who are dear to us.

Whitman is likely talking about beginning to write his poetry. The phrase "hoping to cease not till death" suggests that he plans to continue writing until he dies, indicating that he is starting a new phase or endeavor in his life. This interpretation aligns with Whitman's identity as a renowned poet and his dedication to his craft.

In "My life had stood--a Loaded Gun," Dickinson writes about serving her "master." This suggests that the poem explores themes of power dynamics and submission. The speaker sees herself as a weapon, controlled and directed by someone else. This can be interpreted metaphorically, representing a person's struggle to assert their own agency and the societal expectations that confine them. The poem delves into the complexities of power, control, and the desire for autonomy.

The correct answer is "complacency, an affirmation in faith, and mental anguish." This is because Emily Dickinson's poem "There's a certain Slant of light" explores various themes and emotions. The poem discusses the feelings of complacency, a sense of affirmation in faith, and mental anguish through its vivid imagery and introspective tone. The slant of light mentioned in the poem symbolizes a deeper spiritual or emotional experience that affects the speaker's perception of the world.

In Dickinson's "For each ecstatic instant," the poet suggests that people pay for their ecstatic instants in life with anguish. This implies that the intense joy and happiness experienced in life often come at the cost of deep emotional pain and suffering. The poet highlights the bittersweet nature of human experiences, emphasizing that one cannot fully appreciate the highs without also experiencing the lows. This notion adds depth and complexity to the idea of ecstasy, suggesting that it is not a purely positive emotion but one that is intertwined with anguish.

In Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I could not stop for Death," the speaker describes a journey with Death as a companion. At the end of the poem, the horse heads are pointed "into the mouth of despair." This suggests that the speaker's journey has led them to a place of darkness or sadness, symbolizing the finality and despair associated with death. The image of the horse heads pointing in this direction emphasizes the inevitability and inescapable nature of death.

In Emily Dickinson's poem "After great pain," the speaker describes the aftermath of experiencing immense pain and suffering. The phrase "a formal feeling" suggests a sense of detachment or numbness that follows such intense emotional turmoil. It implies a state of emotional emptiness, where one becomes detached from their emotions and adopts a more formal and reserved demeanor. This formal feeling can be seen as a coping mechanism to protect oneself from further pain and to maintain a sense of composure in the face of adversity.

In the poem, Whitman likely uses the lilac-scent to symbolize love. The scent of lilacs is often associated with romance and affection. By using this symbol, Whitman may be expressing the deep emotions and connections that love can bring. The lilac-scent could represent the intoxicating and beautiful nature of love, as well as its ability to evoke strong emotions and memories. Additionally, the use of the lilac-scent as a symbol of love could suggest the enduring and timeless nature of this emotion.

The correct answer is faith. In the poem "Wild Nights--Wild Nights!", Dickinson uses the metaphor of a stormy sea to express her intense longing for a spiritual union with God. The wild nights symbolize the tumultuous emotions and desires she experiences in her quest for a deeper connection with her faith. The poem explores themes of longing, desire, and the search for spiritual fulfillment, suggesting that the speaker's wild nights are a result of her fervent devotion and yearning for a closer relationship with her faith.

Whitman is glorifying himself in the poem "To a locomotive in Winter." Throughout the poem, he uses the locomotive as a metaphor for his own power and strength as a poet. He compares himself to the locomotive, highlighting his ability to create powerful and impactful poetry. Whitman celebrates his own individuality and uniqueness, emphasizing his importance and significance in the world. By glorifying himself, Whitman is asserting his own self-confidence and asserting his role as a poet.