Poetry Analysis Quiz

Which statement best describes the message of the poem "Icarus's Flight" by Stephen Dobyns?

• Icarus flew too far for no good reason.

• Icarus learned something by flying too far.

• Icarus had a habit of flying too far.

• Icarus was pushed into flying too far.

In lines 1, 5, 14, and 18, the poet puts a question mark before the end of the line. The poet does this to —

• make the reader pause

• create a random line break

• express a strong feeling

• strengthen the meaning of the line

Reread the first line of the poem. Which sentence best describes the poet’s purpose for beginning the poem this way?

• The poet wants to criticize Icarus.

• The poet wants to establish sympathy for Icarus.

• The poet wants to establish the idea that Icarus was a young boy.

• The poet wants to establish that Icarus did not know what he was doing.

How does the poet use language to set the tone of the poem?

• The poet uses exciting language to set a fiery tone.

• The poet uses formal language to set an uncaring tone.

• The poet uses reasoning language to set a thoughtful tone.

• The poet uses mournful language to set a sad tone.

Which sentence best describes the theme of the poem?

• Destiny is unavoidable.

• Freedom comes with limits.

• Wisdom comes from freedom.

• Fear should be ignored.

The poet’s use of the words liberty (line 9) and freedom (lines 4, 5) creates what mood in the poem?

• Cautious

• Careless

• Serious

• Frightening

Which phrase reflect the poet’s purpose in writing the poem?

• To retell the myth of Icarus

• To encourage the reader to think about Icarus' actions.

• To question the lesson in the myth of Icarus

• To persuade the reader that Icarus was careless

What is the purpose of the poet's use of punctuation throughout the poem?

• To create a sense of rhythm

• To confuse the reader

• To correct grammatical errors

• To list items or ideas

What is the effect of the poet's word choice in the third stanza?

• It uses personification to convey a feeling.

• It uses alliteration to emphasize his point.

• It uses a metaphor to stress his ideas.

• It uses a simile to create an image.