My Shakespeare

In the video, the background images contribute to the meaning of the poem by suggesting that Shakespeare —

• appeals mostly to people who live in cities
• can make ugly landscapes seem beautiful
• is relevant in modern times and settings
• can distract people from urban problems

In the video, the poet emphasizes my in the last line: And me, I see him everywhere, he’s my Shakespeare. This emphasis supports the poet’s purpose by suggesting that —

• only poets can fully appreciate Shakespeare
• the poet understands Shakespeare better than most people
• anyone can develop a personal connection to Shakespeare
• it takes special skills and talents to understand Shakespeare

Read lines 5–6 of the poem. Every eye that stops to linger / On what someone else has got, and feels the tightening in their chest. What human emotion is being described?

• Hope
• Sorrow
• Jealousy
• Joy

Read lines 10–11 of the poem. Which two sentences are accurate paraphrases of these lines? He’s there—in every mix-up that spirals far out of control—and never seems to end, even when its beginnings are forgot.

• Shakespeare can be found in any long-standing feud that continues even when those involved have forgotten why they are fighting.
• Shakespeare wrote about what happens when people who don’t like each other begin to get along.
• Shakespeare’s characters usually succeed at resolving mix-ups, even those that are out of control.
• Shakespeare’s characters sometimes spiral out of control, but Shakespeare always brings them back to reality.
• Shakespeare has written about never-ending quarrels that no one can stop, even though the reasons for the quarrels are unclear.

The poet uses the word every in 15 of the first 19 lines and in each of the last 4 lines. How does this repetition affect the message of the poem?

• It causes Shakespeare to seem imposing.
• It emphasizes Shakespeare’s influence.
• It minimizes Shakespeare’s importance.
• It makes Shakespeare seem ordinary.

What is the speaker’s tone of voice in the video?

• Reserved
• Peaceful
• Passionate
• Mournful

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part A How does the poet convey their message that Shakespeare’s characters represent types of people commonly encountered in society?

• By citing a specific scene between two of Shakespeare’s characters
• By describing several of Shakespeare’s characters’ traits
• By naming some of Shakespeare’s famous characters
• By quoting soliloquies from some of Shakespeare’s characters

Part B Which two excerpts from the selection best support the answer to Part A?

• He’s in every girl who ever used her wits. Who ever did her best. (line 12)
• Every passionate, ambitious social climber, (line 14)
• his is the method in our madness, as pure as the driven snow— (line 20)
• his letters with their arms around each others shoulders, swagger (line 29)
• His legacy exists in the life that lives in everything he’s written, (line 44)

Read line 39 of the poem. He’s in us. Part and parcel of our Royals and our rascals. How do the poet’s word choices in this line contribute to the poem’s overall purpose?

• The words Royals and rascals emphasize that Shakespeare appeals to all levels of society.
• The words part and parcel repeat sounds and images to add beauty to the line.
• The words Royals and rascals suggest that there is a division between the rich and poor.
• The words part and parcel suggest that Shakespeare distinguishes between good and evil.

The sound effects in the video, as well as the quick cuts and various camera angles, help to create a mood of —

• fear
• intensity
• sadness
• anger