poems_of_the_decade_key_points

Question 1

What is the opening tone of the poem ‘Eat Me’?

Answer 1

Imperative, command

The poem opens with a commanding tone that sets a provocative stage.

Question 2

What theme is explored in ‘Eat Me’ regarding relationships?

Answer 2

Power dynamic of relationship

The poem examines the complex power dynamics present in intimate relationships.

Question 3

What literary device is used in ‘Eat Me’ to illustrate a sense of excess?

Answer 3

Tricolons

The use of tricolons in the phrase ‘big girls, soft girls, girls I can burrow inside’ emphasizes classification and excess.

Question 4

What biblical allusion is made in ‘Eat Me’?

Answer 4

Like forbidden fruit

This allusion suggests themes of temptation and objectification.

Question 5

What structural element characterizes the poem ‘Chainsaw vs Pampas’?

Answer 5

Juxtaposition of man vs nature

The poem contrasts human aggression with the natural world.

Question 6

How does the poem ‘Chainsaw vs Pampas’ depict the chainsaw?

Answer 6

Personification

The chainsaw is personified to suggest stereotypical masculinity and aggression.

Question 7

What is a key theme in ‘Material’?

Answer 7

Generational differences

The poem reflects on the differences between generations and parental responsibility.

Question 8

What does the phrase ‘Nostalgia only makes me old’ imply?

Answer 8

Metaphorical and literal meaning

This suggests that nostalgia can be both a reflection on the past and a realization of aging.

Question 9

What is the narrative structure of ‘An Easy Passage’?

Answer 9

Begins in media res

The poem starts in the middle of an action, focusing on the girl’s journey.

Question 10

What thematic elements are present in ‘The Deliverer’?

Answer 10

Colonialism, objectification, cycles of life

The poem explores themes of identity and the cycles of women’s experiences.

Question 11

What is the tone of ‘Please Hold’?

Answer 11

Polite, yet tense

The poem creates tension through its polite instructions that reflect entrapment.

Question 12

What structural feature is notable in ‘Grayson Perry Urn’?

Answer 12

Isometric stanzas

The poem maintains a consistent stanza length, contributing to its formal quality.

Question 13

What imagery is prevalent in ‘Look We Have Coming!’?

Answer 13

Natural and mechanical imagery

The poem fuses elements of nature with mechanical aspects to reflect the immigrant experience.

Question 14

What does the poem ‘From the Journal’ suggest about masculinity?

Answer 14

Dehumanization of men

The poem portrays men in a dehumanizing manner, reflecting societal expectations.

Question 15

What does the term ‘Genetics’ imply in the context of the poem?

Answer 15

Inheritance and parental relationships

The poem discusses the continuity of lineage and the impact of parental relationships.

Question 16

What historical context is referenced in ‘Giuseppe’?

Answer 16

World War Two

The poem’s setting during this time highlights themes of power and hypocrisy.

Question 17

What thematic concept is represented by the ‘gun’ in ‘The Gun’?

Answer 17

Power and potential

The gun symbolizes both the potential for harm and the primal instincts of desire.

Question 18

What does ‘The Furthest Distances’ reflect on regarding identity?

Answer 18

Journeys and experience

The poem explores personal journeys and the complexities of identity through travel.

Question 19

What is the significance of the present tense in the context of the poem?

Answer 19

It creates implicit involvement of the reader as the scene is created instantaneously.

The use of present tense allows for a more immersive experience, making the reader feel part of the journey.

Question 20

What does the term ‘cells of scattered airports’ symbolize?

Answer 20

It symbolizes the imprisonment of civilization.

This imagery reflects feelings of confinement despite the idea of travel.

Question 21

What literary device is used to create a personal tone in the poem?

Answer 21

Parenthesis is used to add more detail and create a personal tone.

This technique allows the poet to insert personal reflections within the narrative.

Question 22

What is the structure of ‘The Lammas Hireling’?

Answer 22

It consists of 4 stanzas, each with 6 lines, and is isometric.

The structure reflects a sense of order amidst the themes of chaos and loss.

Question 23

What themes are explored in ‘To My 9-Year-Old Self’?

Answer 23

Themes of responsibility, innocence, the past, and experience/growth are explored.

These themes highlight the contrast between childhood naivety and adult realities.

Question 24

What is the effect of using imperative verbs in the poem?

Answer 24

It conveys a sense of urgency and authority regarding the advice given.

Imperative verbs like ‘must’ and ‘don’t’ reinforce the speaker’s desire to guide the younger self.

Question 25

What does the term 'minor' signify in the poem 'A Minor Role'?

Answer 25

It signifies the idea of subservience and function within a wider structure. ## Footnote This reflects the speaker's perception of their place in society.

Question 26

What is the use of alliteration in 'A Minor Role' intended to convey?

Answer 26

It foregrounds certain elements to give a sense of pride and importance. ## Footnote Alliteration can enhance the imagery and emotional weight of the poem.

Question 27

How does 'Effects' reflect the theme of identity?

Answer 27

It explores physical degradation and memory/nostalgia as aspects of identity. ## Footnote The poem examines how experiences and changes shape one’s sense of self.

Question 28

What is the significance of the cyclical structure in 'Effects'?

Answer 28

It emphasizes the repetitive nature of memories and experiences. ## Footnote Cyclical structures can reflect the ongoing impact of past experiences on the present.

Question 29

What does the phrase 'Out of the Bag' metaphorically represent?

Answer 29

It represents the revelation of secret information and themes of concealment and surprise. ## Footnote The metaphor suggests uncovering hidden truths about the past.

Question 30

What literary technique is used to create a sense of nostalgia in 'On Her Blindness'?

Answer 30

The use of simile enhances the emotional depth and connection to past experiences. ## Footnote Similes allow the speaker to convey complex feelings about memory and loss.

Question 31

What is the main focus of the poem 'History'?

Answer 31

It focuses on identity, nature, reflection, and conflict. ## Footnote The poem examines how historical context influences personal identity.

Question 32

Fill in the blank: 'The use of _______ in the poem enhances the reflective nature of the speaker's thoughts.'

Answer 32

enjambment

Question 33

True or False: 'The Lammas Hireling' opens with a chronological narrative.

Answer 33

False ## Footnote The poem begins in media res, immersing the reader into the action without prior context.

Question 34

What does the term 'remnants' refer to in the context of the poem?

Answer 34

It refers to the remnants of past experiences that shape the present identity. ## Footnote This theme underscores the idea that our past continually influences our current selves.