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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Everything, what are we told to look to for examination?
(a) Ourselves.
(b) Our surroundings.
(c) Our goals.
(d) Our God.

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

3. Which of the following is not a place Oliver says she wants to be while writing her poems in Everything?
(a) Her own house.
(b) A field of daisies.
(c) A spot of grass.
(d) A boat at sea.

4. What is the length of most of Oliver's poems in this collection?
(a) Many pages.
(b) Just a few lines.
(c) Medium in length.
(d) A few short stanzas.

5. What animal was featured in The Measure?
(a) An armadillo.
(b) A rabbit.
(c) A box turtle.
(d) A squirrel.

6. In the Measure, what happens in the pinewoods?
(a) Flowers make perfect cover.
(b) The sun shines in happy measures.
(c) Small animals are left alone.
(d) Blueberries ripen early.

7. How does Oliver use plants and animals in her poems?
(a) They are her focal point.
(b) They are her foils.
(c) They are her distractions.
(d) They are her friends.

8. What did Oliver say she was outside of while writing Work Sometimes?
(a) Her natural setting.
(b) Her authentic self.
(c) Her intended purpose.
(d) Her usual style.

9. What does Oliver say about our lives in The Measure?
(a) They are purposeful.
(b) They are our right.
(c) They are blessed.
(d) They are watched over.

10. What was a joy to the animal featured in The Real Prayers are Not the Words, but the Attention that comes First?
(a) Speed.
(b) Wind.
(c) Victory.
(d) Knowledge.

11. What is the subject of Mysteries, Four of the Simple Ones?
(a) Nature.
(b) Personal identity.
(c) Motivations.
(d) Literature.

12. In Work Sometimes, what does Oliver say happiness is?
(a) Usefulness.
(b) A job well done.
(c) Moments of peace.
(d) Work ongoing.

13. What color were the eyes of the animal in The Real Prayers are Not the Words, but the Attention that comes First?
(a) Blue.
(b) Green.
(c) Black.
(d) Brown.

14. How does Oliver describe her poetry in Everything?
(a) Her art.
(b) Her creation.
(c) Her children.
(d) Her message.

15. What time of day did the poet try to save the animal in The Measure?
(a) Morning.
(b) Evening.
(c) Afternoon.
(d) Night.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Why did Oliver choose the simple titles for her poems?

3. How does Oliver say Everything first came to her?

4. In The Measure, what does the author say we must do to fully experience life?

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

(see the answer keys)

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