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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through New Poems (2004 - 2005).

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Work sometimes, which of these does Oliver list as something that happiness is NOT?
(a) The need to push onward.
(b) A trip to an aunt.
(c) A town on a map.
(d) Work ongoing.

2. Why did Oliver choose the simple titles for her poems?
(a) To leave the interpretation open.
(b) To make her thoughts obscure.
(c) To guide the reader.
(d) To take the guesswork away from the reader.

3. Why did Oliver choose the tone she did at the beginning of Work Sometimes?
(a) She wanted the poem to flow easily.
(b) She wanted it to seem as though the conversation was already in place.
(c) She wanted to draw the reader in.
(d) She wanted to set it apart from her other poems.

4. Why does Oliver like to use her most common literary device?
(a) It makes her work unique.
(b) It broadens understanding of humans.
(c) It comes easily to her.
(d) It is a symbolic form of writing.

5. What are we told to examine in Everything?
(a) Our desires.
(b) Our emotions.
(c) Our needs.
(d) Our motivations.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Everything, what does Oliver compare elaboration to?

2. What does the editor say Oliver is NOT trying to do with the poems in the first section?

3. What is the subject of Mysteries, Four of the Simple Ones?

4. What animal was featured in The Measure?

5. What does Oliver try to write most of her poems about?

(see the answer key)

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