"The Fight" by John Montague

The word is a noun. It is small long-winged songbird noted for swift graceful flight.

When I found the __________'s nest under the bridge -- ankle-deep in the bog stream, traffic drumming overhead -- I was so pleased

• swallow

• bog

• fetch

• companion

• fragility

This word is a verb. It refers to the process of marking something with light brown or red patches of color, usually on skin, which become more pronounced with the sun.

I ran to fetch a school companion to share the nude fragility of the shells, lightly __________ with colour, in their cradle of feathers, twigs, earth.

• freckled

• cradle

• palm

• scoop

• spate

This word is a noun. It is an impelling force or strength which motivates one to do something.

To worship or destroy beauty --that double edge of __________ I recognize, by which we live.

• impulse

• paradox

• betray

• lunge

• defense

The word is a noun. It is the quality of being easily damaged or destroyed.

I was so pleased, I ran to fetch a school companion to share the nude __________ of the shells [...]

• swallow

• bog

• fetch

• companion

• fragility

This word is a noun. It is a baby bed with sides and rockers.

Of the shells, lightly freckled with colour, in their _______ of feathers, twigs, earth.

• freckled

• cradle

• palm

• scoop

• spate

This word is a noun. It is a statement that contradicts itself.

I recognize, by which we live; but also the bitter _______ of breaking faith with love to harm [...]

• impulse

• paradox

• betray

• lunge

• defense

This word is a verb. It is when one thing or person disappoints, abandons, or proves undependable to something or someone else.

I recognize, by which we live; but also the bitter contradiction of ________ love to harm,

• impulse

• paradox

• betray

• lunge

• defense

TRUE or FALSE - The speaker’s companion in the poem is a person who loves nature?

• TRUE

• FALSE

In lines 28-29, what can we infer about the speaker's statement "And I would still fight though now I can forgive"?

• The speaker is upset, but has come to an understanding that this is how we treat nature everyday.

• The speaker was upset at his friend, but no longer cares about the eggs.

• The speaker likes to fight, but wants to be friends again with his companion.

• The speaker will fight to protect the eggs at first and then move on.

In lines 5-6, what does the phrase "I was so pleased, I ran to fetch a school companion" reveal about the speaker?

• The speaker was ditching school.

• The speaker doesn't like being alone.

• The speaker is young which makes him naive and inexperienced.

• The speaker is fast.