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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. What is the mood of "Fireflies?"

2. How do the mayflies view their lives?

3. Humans can _________________ over people and things, much like the moth in "The Moth's Serenade."

4. Only when does the mayfly seem to feel nostalgia?

5. How does the poet help the reader relate to fireflies?

Short Essay Questions

1. What literary devices does the poet use to express the moth's feelings?

2. How can a person relate to this moth?

3. What does the poem "Book Lice" do for English literature?

4. What is the purpose of "Book Lice?"

5. What mood is created by the behavior of the water striders? Why?

6. To what can the water strider's ability to walk on water be compared? Why?

7. To what does the poet compare fireflies? Is this a good comparison? Why or why not?

8. How would you describe a firefly to someone who has never seen one?

9. If you only had twenty-four hours to live, what would you do? Why?

10. How does a mayfly feel at the end of its life? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Fireflies are compared to painters and calligraphers.

Part 1) How are the fireflies compared to painters and calligraphers? Why are they compared to these types of artists? Do you see this as a good comparison? Why or why not?

Part 2) What literary devices are found in this poem? Why does the poet choose to use these literary devices? Do they enhance the poem? If so, how? If not, why not?

Part 3) How are all art forms connected? What do all artists have in common? How is that illustrated throughout this book?

Essay Topic 2

Having a purpose in life is an important theme in this book.

Part 1) How is this an important theme? Choose four of the insects described in this book. What is each insect's purpose, based on the poem? Why is this its purpose? How can you relate to this?

Part 2) How do the various purposes differ? Why do they differ? How are the insects' instincts, habitats, and physical abilities connected to these purposes?

Part 3) How can humans relate to each of these purposes? Why? How are humans unique in regards to purpose in life? How does this compare to the insects in this book?

Essay Topic 3

Famous authors' names are mentioned in "Book Lice."

Part 1) How do these famous authors' names get mentioned in this poem? Why might the poet have decided to include these famous authors in this poem? Does this enhance the poem in any way? Why or why not?

Part 2) What information might be helpful prior to reading this poem? Why? How might this information effect one's ability to understand "Book Lice" and the differences between these two different lice?

Part 3) How important is it to learn about famous authors and artists? Explain. Would the author of this book agree with you? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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