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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 1: "O Captain! My Captain!" lines 1-24.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In context, the literal meaning of the word "rack" in line two is which of the following?
(a) A thorough sorting or sifting.
(b) Storm or upheaval.
(c) Battle or confrontation.
(d) A metal rod used for hanging things.

2. Where is the ship in the beginning of the poem?
(a) Just leaving the port.
(b) Docked in the port.
(c) On the open sea.
(d) Just coming into port.

3. The poem's title and first line contain an example of which technique?
(a) Personification.
(b) Synechdoche.
(c) Simile.
(d) Apostrophe.

4. What is a "keel" (line 4)?
(a) A part of a ship's steering mechanism, found at the back of the ship.
(b) The central and largest sail on a three-masted ship.
(c) A measurement of the speed a ship is traveling.
(d) A flat structure at the bottom of a ship, designed to add stability.

5. Line 5, " But O heart! heart! heart!" is an example of which technique?
(a) Euphemism.
(b) Apostrophe.
(c) Paradox.
(d) Aphorism.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which technique is evident in line 10, "Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills"?

2. What is the rhyme pattern of the first four lines of each stanza?

3. What does it mean that the people are "exulting"?

4. Which technique is evident in the phrase "for you the flag is flung" (line 10)?

5. Which is the best interpretation of line 9, when the speaker urges "O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells"?

(see the answer key)

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