An Obstacle

How does the setting of the poem contribute to its central theme?

• The winding path implies that the speaker is lost, literally and figuratively, emphasizing the theme of identity.

• The speaker climbs a mountain path, which suggests an upward struggle; thus, the setting underscores the central theme of resilience in the face of adversity.

• The misty forest setting (as well as Prejudice's strange appearance) suggests some sort of supernatural element, contributing to the theme of fear.

• The poem takes place over the course of a day and ends as the sun begins to set; thus the linear setting (a day come to a close) contributes to the theme of death.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which of the following statements best explains the reference to the monument of Bunker Hill in lines 35-36?

• The reference to the monument of Bunker Hill is an indication that the poem takes place in the Bunker Hill region (i.e. Massachusetts)

• The reference to the monument of Bunker Hill foreshadows the speaker's eventual defeat of the looming enemy (i.e. Prejudice)

• The speaker compares Prejudice to the monument of Bunker Hill to describe the Prejudice's physical size.

• The speaker compares Prejudice to the monument of Bunker Hill to describe the Prejudice's level of stubbornness; like the massive monument, he cannot be moved.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

How does the final stanza contribute to the speaker's developing point of view?

• The final stanza reveals that Prejudice was only in her head.

• The final stanza reveals the speaker's own stubborn nature, contributing to the poet's characterization of her.

• The final stanza shows the speaker overcoming Prejudice by how she views him. (i.e. by electing to ignore him)

• The final stanza develops the speaker's point of view because she can suddenly handle carrying the heavy load she bears.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

Reread Stanzas 3-6. How are these stanzas related?

• They each reveal a method that the speaker is using to try and get Prejudice to move.

• They suggest the speaker didn't know why Prejudice was in her way.

• They identify the speaker's concern with the mountain winds.

• They demonstrate that she has been blocked by Prejudice before.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

Why is stanza 7 important to the poem?

• It introduces an additional method of persuasion.

• It presents a shift in the speaker's mindset.

• It reveals that the speaker gives up.

• The Prejudice lets the speaker pass.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4