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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Poem 234, Emily shows her uncertainty of what actually happens to the bad people by tacking the phrase ______ onto the end of her poem.
(a) "I guess."
(b) "Let's hope."
(c) "Maybe."
(d) "Perhaps."

2. In Poem 67, the sounds of _____ are often agonizing to those who die for their cause.
(a) Sorrow.
(b) War.
(c) Triumph.
(d) Failure.

3. In Poem 254, only a severe ____ can drown out the sound of the tune.
(a) Storm.
(b) Volcano.
(c) Earthquake.
(d) Hurricane.

4. In Poem 77, the author writes, "I never hear the word _____ / Without a quicker blood."
(a) Escape.
(b) Love.
(c) Passion.
(d) Peace.

5. In the conclusion of Poem 339, Emily seems to be portraying herself as a daisy. What is she waiting for?
(a) To be picked.
(b) Her lord to return.
(c) Love to return.
(d) To become a gift.

Short Answer Questions

1. ______ is said to have sowed the seeds of the crucifixion because, according to the Bible, he did nothing to stop the innocent Jesus from being put to death. Instead, he released to the crowd Barabbas, the known murderer.

2. Poem 84 begins, "Her breast is fit for ____, / But I was not a 'Diver.'"

3. In Poem 339, Emily writes of her wonder that such small flowers can hold so much beautiful ____.

4. In Poem 292, Emily encourages one to go ahead and try even if the courage is not there. She suggests holding a steady _____ and also taking deep breaths.

5. In Poem 127, Emily writes about the ______ that have been prepared in heaven for God's children.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Emily Dickinson describe humans' approach to pain in Poem 536?

2. How does Dickinson compare herself to David of David and Goliath in Poem 540?

3. What is Emily's Sunday routine in Poem 324?

4. Discuss the author's point of view on suicide in poem 277.

5. What does Emily Dickinson relate about life after death in Poem 234?

6. In Poem 413, Emily writes about displacement and her desire to run away from God's watchful eye. How does she illustrate this?

7. Discuss briefly how Emily Dickinson uses the theme of Death in Poems 1-94.

8. Discuss briefly the poet's use of symbolism from nature.

9. What are the actions of the cat chasing the bird in Poem 507?

10. In Poem 543, how does the poet describe her feelings for quiet people?

(see the answer keys)

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