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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Dave Smith has developed a poetic voice often referred to as the ____ self.
(a) Inner.
(b) Distorted.
(c) Repressed.
(d) Second.

2. What word is used to describe Robert Frost's work?
(a) Strong.
(b) Symbolic.
(c) Rueful.
(d) Naturalistic.

3. Richard Howard worked as a writer and editor of dictionaries. What is the proper name for a person who has that job?
(a) Lexicographer.
(b) Cartographer.
(c) Biographer.
(d) Lithographer.

4. Heather McHugh studied under which famous poet?
(a) Allen Ginsberg.
(b) Theodore Roethke.
(c) Robert Lowell.
(d) Walt Whitman.

5. Michael Harper was greatly influenced by which type of music?
(a) Country.
(b) Asian.
(c) Swing.
(d) Jazz.

Short Answer Questions

1. Michael Palmer's poetry is said to use a(n) ______ abstraction.

2. Michael S. Harper created his work by combining autobiography and ____.

3. Philip Levine was born in which Midwestern city?

4. Gary Snyder referred to himself as having very ____ values.

5. Rita Dove was named as the ____ Poet Laureate.

Short Essay Questions

1. Jay Wright had a way of combining facts about various cultures and relating them to his heritage. Discuss Wright's heritage and how he celebrated the accomplishments of others.

2. Discuss the rhyme and tone of "Ballad of Ladies Lost and Found." Who are some of the people mentioned in the poem? What is the rhyme scheme? What form does Hacker use in this poem?

3. How did Audre Lorde often identify herself? Where was Lorde born? What was Lorde's style?

4. How is Sharon Olds categorized as a poet? What words are best used to describe Olds' work? What are some of Olds' most common themes?

5. What prompted Anne Sexton to begin writing poetry? What was Sexton's style? What are some characteristics of Sexton's style?

6. Discuss Amy Clampitt's early career. What are some of Clampitt's themes?

7. Examine Yusef Komunyakaa's background and influences regarding his work.

8. What is Mary Oliver's style? How does Mary Oliver incorporate nature into her work? What unique gift does Oliver have as a poet?

9. Dave Smith's work has been compared to which famous poets? Discuss Smith's earlier poems and the evolution of his work.

10. Who was the biggest influence in Sylvia Plath's life? When did they meet? What type of work is most often related to Plath? Plath is often grouped with which poets?

(see the answer keys)

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