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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Solitary Reaper.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is subtly appropriate about the meter in lines 25 and 26, "Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang / As if her song could have no ending"?
(a) The contraction in line 25 creates a second line of trimeter in this stanza, emphasizing the musicality of the song.
(b) Line 25 begins with a dactyl, emphasizing the importance of the content of the reaper's song.
(c) The feminine ending of line 26 emphasizes the idea of something that does not end when it is expected to.
(d) Line 26 has four metrical feet instead of the expected three, creating a feeling of "lingering."

2. What technique is used in the line "A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard" (line 13)?
(a) Contraction.
(b) Paradox.
(c) Litotes.
(d) Verbal irony.

3. In line 4, "Stop here, or gently pass!" what is the grammatical mood of the words "stop" and "pass"?
(a) Interrogative.
(b) Subjunctive.
(c) Imperative.
(d) Indicative.

4. Where are "the farthest Hebrides" (line 16)?
(a) Russia.
(b) Scotland.
(c) Chile.
(d) Australia.

5. Which is the best interpretation of line 6's reference to "a melancholy strain"?
(a) Hard work.
(b) A difficult burden.
(c) Persistent pain.
(d) A sad song.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which stanza could be reasonably called the most positive in tone?

2. In the fourth stanza, when the speaker finally places himself in the scene, what is it clear he is there to do?

3. What technique is employed in lines 7 and 8, "O listen! for the Vale profound / Is overflowing with the sound"?

4. Where in the Highlands is the field where the woman is standing?

5. What do all three sentences in the third stanza have in common?

(see the answer key)

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