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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which series of numbers is in the poem titled, "A Century of Epigrams?"

2. Ammons favored which style?

3. Richard Hugo grew up in which western US city?

4. Merrill was known for writing in which type of verse?

5. Which of the following was not one of Robert Creeley's jobs?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe William Meredith's work and his main focus. Also list some of the poems included in his section.

2. Name at least one of the main themes that can be seen in James Merrill's work. What is Merrill's genre? List some of the poems included in Merrill's section.

3. Examine briefly the life and work of Robert Hayden. How did Hayden attempt to break the color barrier? What are some of Hayden's poems included in this section?

4. Briefly describe the work of May Swenson. List some of Swenson's works included in the book.

5. Why is Robert Penn Warren considered to be one of the country's most famous poets? What position did Warren hold in the 1960s?

6. What is unusual about Donald Justice's poetry? What does he encourage the reader to see in his work?

7. What major theme was often used in James Wright's work? What major award did James Wright win for his work?

8. Describe Richard Hugo's work and possible influence on style and subject.

9. What other career did A.R. Ammons have while writing poetry on the side? What were some of Ammon's influences outside the literary realm? What are some styles used by Ammons?

10. Discuss some of Denise Levertov's themes as well as potential influences on her work and her life.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the poems contained in the book used dreams or the unconscious as a source of material for poetry. Examine the poems in the collection, and choose at least three to use as a reference. Which do you feel is most effective in its use of the unconscious as a tool? Explain. Is there a scientific connection between dreaming and the conscious? Could those concepts and images seen in dreaming be captured in a waking state? If so, how?

Essay Topic 2

Michael Palmer is considered to be one of the Language Poets. Explain Palmer's beliefs regarding the proper use of language in regards to his own poetry and the poetry of beginning poets. How might preconceived notions of language interfere with a poet's work? Do you agree think that preconceived notions of language can be a hindrance? Are the preconceptions more or less difficult when working with a foreign language as opposed to English? How can one overcome these preconceived notions and habits? Give an example of at least three words that may conjure up preconceived notions and create an alternative view for each.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Edward Hirsch encourage students to write using childhood memories? How do those memories differ from memories of an older child or adult? Compare and contrast childhood memories with adult memories. Do the same with dream work.

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