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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 7 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of tree does the speaker mention being under?

2. Which is the most reasonable interpretation of the speaker's line 19 mention of "some uncertain notice"?

3. What is the best definition of "sublime" in the context of line 38?

4. How long has it been since the speaker was last in this place?

5. What paradox does the speaker introduce at the end of the second verse paragraph?

Short Essay Questions

1. What two elements does the first stanza mention that contribute to the sense that the scene is unbroken and whole?

2. What literal and philosophical impact do the cliffs have on the landscape the speaker is viewing?

3. What are two possibilities that the speaker imagines as the origin of the smoke he sees?

4. What does the speaker mean in line 47 when he talks about becoming "a living soul"?

5. Where has the speaker been for the past five years, and how has the memory of this landscape impacted him?

6. Describe the landscape that the speaker sees.

7. What does the speaker say about the hedge-rows, and what does this reveal about his perspective on the scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Go online and read about the industrialization of the Wye Valley in Wordsworth's time and the questions critics have asked about the accuracy of his depiction of the landscape. Then, think back to your ideas about the elision of the abbey in the poem. Write an essay that takes and defends a position about whether Wordsworth's elision of the abbey has the same purpose as his elision of the industrial buildings that had begun to appear in the valley during this time period. Support your assertions with evidence from both "Tintern Abbey" and online sources; cite all sources in MLA format.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that analyzes how "Tintern Abbey" uses diction, details, and symbolism to support the idea that the speaker's relationship with nature has changed over time. Begin by establishing the three stages of the speaker's relationship with nature. Then, use both quoted and paraphrased evidence from the poem to show how Wordsworth employs diction, details, and symbolism to convey these three stages.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you make and defend a claim about Wordsworth's use of musical devices in "Tintern Abbey." Take a position about the purpose of these devices and use both quoted and paraphrased evidence from throughout the poem to support your assertions. Consider how at least three of these devices impact the poem's tone and meaning.

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