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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "The Shallows," what does Gorman implore people to do after grieving?

2. In "Cut," what is there no simple way to do?

3. In "Essex I," what book did the tragedy involving the Essex inspire?

4. In "& So," how does grief leave when it goes?

5. In "Pre-Memory," what is trauma like?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Pan," what does "Pandora" mean?

2. In "Cordage, or Atonement," what words does Gorman use two different spellings of and play with, though they are pronounced the same?

3. In "Essex I," what famous piece of literature does Gorman evoke?

4. In "Call Us," what does Gorman say about half of our bodies at times?

5. In "Memorial," what does Gorman say we are living when we tell a story?

6. In "Erasure," what are "erasure poems"?

7. What does Gorman say would be a blessing for our children in the poem "What We Did in the Time Being"?

8. In "Compass," when does Gorman say we are only legible?

9. In "Captive," what is "stereotypic behavior" in animals?

10. What is harder than harping in "& So"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Gorman interact with and treat the subject of history and the historical record throughout this collection? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

What points does Gorman make about the legacy of racism in America? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does Gorman use water as a symbol and a sign throughout this collection? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 447 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample