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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 of the poets wrote a piece titled, "Frederick Douglass?"

2. While in residence in Europe, Ashbery held which job?

3. What word is best used to describe Robert Lowell?

4. One of Randall Jarrell's poems is titled, "The Women at the ____ Zoo."

5. According to the text, the best English language literature was produced in which century?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What were some of the unusual jobs held by Robert Creeley? Who were Creelye's influenecs? How does Creeley feel about speaking to his readers?

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

5. What is the purpose of the anthology? Who is involved? What are the criteria for the poets? How do these poets reflect the popularity and talent of twentieth century poets?

6. Discuss some of David Wagoner's influences and inspirations. How is Wagoner's work characterized?

7. Discuss the varied activities of James Dickey and the one thing that supposedly changed his life. What are some of the themes involved in Dickey's work?

8. What was Allen Ginsberg's first major success? What made Ginsberg into an iconic poet?

9. What is unique about Charles Olson's work? What did Olson do to prepare to write about a particular place or era? How did Olson believe work should be paced?

10. What prestigious position did Carolyn Kizer hold? Who greatly influenced Kizer's work? What major award did Kizer receive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jay Wright, Michael S. Harper and Allen Ginsberg are just three of the poets that used their work to support a particular culture. Wright and Harper wrote poems dedicated to black culture, while Ginsberg was focused on being part of the counterculture of America during the 1950s and beyond. Write a 750 word essay on how using poetry to reveal and/or celebrate cultural differences may be an effective way to teach the general public about that specific culture. Also discuss how using poetry in this way might have a negative effect.

Essay Topic 2

There are several places in the book that refer to having an argument with self or warring with making a decision or opinion about a specific item or event. Choose one of the following:

1. Write a series of poems featuring the two sides of self involved in an ethical dilemma. Be sure to represent each side equally.

2. Write a series of poems from the perspective of a person with a personality or mental disorder, such as the ones suffered by Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton.

Essay Topic 3

Morals and shared values are a common theme throughout the book. For example, Amy Clampitt uses morality is a chief theme and Ellen Bryant Voigt's poems are referred to as being "moralistic." Examine how the poets use their work to share their ideas on morality. Do you think the poets simply want to express their opinions on certain moral issues or are they trying to impose moral beliefs on the reader? Choose one poem each from Clampitt and Voigt to support your opinions and insights.

(see the answer keys)

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