View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Adonis do just before he turns his head away from Venus's kiss?
(a) Shudders.
(b) Smiles.
(c) Moans.
(d) Winks.

2. Which is the best definition of "bootless" in the context of line 422?
(a) Irresponsible, careless.
(b) Useless, pointless.
(c) Unmannerly, rude.
(d) Informal, casual.

3. To whom is the poem dedicated?
(a) James I.
(b) Elizabeth I.
(c) The Earl of Southampton.
(d) Anne Hathaway.

4. What technique is used in line 111, "Strong-temper’d steel his stronger strength obey’d"?
(a) Anaphora.
(b) Polyptoton.
(c) Epimone.
(d) Epizeuxis.

5. What motif recurs throughout the description of the horse's courage and desire?
(a) Heat.
(b) Justice.
(c) Water.
(d) Flight.

Short Answer Questions

1. To whom is Venus referring when she brags about being courted by the god of war?

2. What does Venus tell Adonis is his "duty" (line 168)?

3. What techniques are used in lines 417 and 418, "If springing things be any jot diminish’d,/ They wither in their prime, prove nothing worth"?

4. Who or what is being described when the word "fetlocks" is used in line 295?

5. What does Adonis tell Venus is the only thing he could love?

Short Essay Questions

1. Throughout the first 36 stanzas, how is Adonis depicted?

2. What plan does Adonis share with Venus just as she is finally about to let him leave her, and how does Venus react?

3. How do Venus and Adonis end up on the ground together?

4. Explain the conceit that Venus uses when she compares herself to a park.

5. What happens when Adonis tries to get back on his horse and leave?

6. Explain the comparison the speaker makes between Adonis's horse and one created by an artist.

7. What does Venus tell Adonis he can learn from his horse?

8. How does the mare react to the stallion at first, and how does her reaction change?

9. What does Venus tell Adonis will "buy" her heart (line 514), and how does she propose that he "seal" the bargain (line 516)?

10. How does Adonis eventually end up kissing Venus?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 808 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample