Name:
Date:
English 10 Poetry Test
Part A: Poetic Terms (value 12)
Match the term to its definition. You will need to know these in order to answer questions in the
following sections.
A. Rhyme
G
The repetition of a sound within a sentence
or line of poetry.
B. Internal Rhyme
J
Bending the rules of language in order to fit
a particular rhythm or rhyme scheme.
C. Stanza
D
A pattern of beats.
D. Rhythm
K
Word choice.
E. Consonance
C
A poetry paragraph.
F. Assonance
M
The main idea that a piece of writing
discusses (i.e. war, love, hate, etc.).
G. Alliteration
N
An imaginative comparison not using like
or as.
H. Blank Verse
B
When two words have the same sound
within a line of poetry.
I. Couplet
O
An imaginative comparison using like or as.
J. Poetic License
L
The lesson of a piece of writing.
K. Diction
E
The repetition of a consonant sound within a
sentence or line of poetry.
L. Moral
I
Two lines of poetry (usually rhyme).
M. Theme
A
When two words have the same sound.
N. Metaphor
H
A poem with no rhyme or rhythm pattern.
O. Simile
F
The repetition of a vowel sound within a
sentence or line of poetry.
* Turn the page over!
Part B: Poetry Analysis of “Me Against the World” by Tupac (value 14)
Read the poem carefully and more than once, and then answer the questions below. Be sure to provide
evidence where possible. Give specific line numbers where possible.
1. What is the overall meaning of Tupac’s lyrics? (value 2)
In a very straightforward manner, the poem’s meaning is explained in the title (it’s him against the
world). On a wider basis, the poet is speaking metaphorically to people who share the same plight in
life that the poet does (i.e. socioeconomically disadvantaged minorities in the U.S.). As a result, it’s
“them” against the world as well.
2. The poet feels like it’s “Me against the world.” Why do you think he feels this way? What
evidence can you find in the poem? (value 2)
Injustice has created a “Me Against the World” mentality in the poem. The poet addresses sources of
injustice in our society by pointing out that it is often the people who are “askin questions” that are
punished (lines 4&5).
3. How does Tupac suggest we overcome injustice? (value 2)
In lines 6 & 7, Tupac stresses the importance of understanding history (“study your lessons”) and
asking questions (“even a genius asks questions”). Basically, the poet shows how knowledge is the
tool by which injustice is overcome. In line 10, Tupac further highlights ways of addressing power
and politics through getting people to recognize that power lies in their hands.
4. If the poet is in such a bad situation, and if his life has so much injustice, explain why he would
tell the reader to “Be grateful for your blessings” in line 8? (value 2)
The poet admits he has had a hard life, but he stresses the value in adversity because it makes one
stronger. By being grateful, one removes themselves from the destructive forces of self-pity so they
can find a positive way to change their circumstances. The poet is not point out the negatives of
injustice in this work, but giving positive insights as to ways to overcome them in life.
5. Explain the meaning of why the poet insists the listener should not “ever change, keep your
essence” in line 9? What does Tupac mention that might cause you to change? (value 2)
Essentially, this poem is a cautionary warning against all the different forces that someone who tries
to stay true to their beliefs is going to run up against (i.e. riches, hypocrites, politicians, power, etc.).
Yet, Tupac implores the reader to hold true to their core values.
6. Find examples of four different poetic devices in the poem. Write the poetic device you have
identified, and give the line number (ex. stanza – lines 1-4). (value 4)
Any answer provided here should be verified by examining the poem.
Part C: Poetry Analysis of “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas (value 12)
Read the poem carefully and more than once, and then answer the questions below. Be sure to provide
evidence where possible. Give specific line numbers where possible.
1. What is the overall meaning of Dylan Thomas’s poem? (value 2)
The poem basically urges people, “not to give up easily.” Though death is inevitable, and it is part of the
natural cycle of life, people need to fight, claw, scrape and do whatever must be done to stay alive –
especially in the face of impending death.
2. Paraphrase the line, “Do not go gentle into that good night.” What is it saying? (value 2)
In the line, “Do not go gentle into that good night,” night is a metaphor for death and dying. The
speaker of the poem is urging people not to “go gentle” (i.e. passively follow along) into death’s arms,
but rather fight for life.
3. Paraphrase the line, “Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” What is it saying? (value 2)
In the line, “Rage, rage against the dying of the light,” the phrase dying of the light is also a metaphor
for the end of life. By using the strong action verb “rage”, the speaker of the poem is insisting, almost
commanding, that death is not something to be passively accepted but rather, to be passionately and
viciously fought against with every last bit of strength and energy.
4. Thomas repeats the lines “Do not go gentle into that good night” and “Rage, rage against the dying of
the light” throughout the poem. What meaning or effect does this create? (value 2)
The repetition of two specific lines: “Do not go gently into that good night” and “rage, rage against the
dying of the light” basically urges people, “not to give up so easily.” The repetition of these lines almost
insists that the fight for life be continued despite any hurdles one may be forced to face.
5. Find examples of four different poetic devices in the poem. Write the poetic device you have
identified, and give the line number (ex. stanza – lines 1-4). (value 4)
* Note: you cannot use the same poetic devices you identified in the first poem.
Any answer provided here should be verified by examining the poem.
Part D: Paragraph Response (value 8)
Answer one of the following questions in paragraph form. Include a specific topic sentence, reasoning
and detailed support. You should write at least 5 sentences.
What are the unspoken beliefs about life that you feel Dylan Thomas and Tupac share? Support your
analysis by referring directly to the poems.
possible answers: life is precious; one must follow their heart; death is not something to fear but its
inevitable presence should make us realize the need to bravely dare to reach for our dreams; there are
things worth fighting for in life.
OR
Identify the common theme between these two poems. Support your analysis by referring directly to the
poems.
possible answers: any variation of “fight for survival”