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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Line 4, "While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring," contains examples of which techniques?
(a) Simie and alliteration.
(b) Alliteration and synecdoche.
(c) Synecdoche and personification.
(d) Personification and simile.

3. What is the rhyme pattern of the first four lines of each stanza?
(a) AABB.
(b) ABAC.
(c) ABCB.
(d) ABBA.

4. By which other term, besides "Captain," does the speaker address the captain of the ship?
(a) Master.
(b) Leader.
(c) Father.
(d) Brother.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is a "keel" (line 4)?

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

3. The poem's title and first line contain an example of which technique?

4. Who is the author of "O Captain! my Captain!"?

5. What is the most common type of metrical foot in "O Captain! My Captain!"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the allegorical nature of the poem's central conceit.

2. What evidence is there that the speaker is struggling to understand and process the captain's death?

3. Describe the form of "O Captain! My Captain!"

4. What ironic contrast do the poem's images highlight?

5. What elements of the poem's diction establish a warm and personal relationship between the speaker and the captain?

(see the answer keys)

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