POEM ANALYSIS ACTIVITY

In the second stanza, the poet is explaining —

• how it feels when one sets off on a new adventure

• how it feels when one is unencumbered by fluctuating emotions

• how it feels when one reaches a goal before setting a new one

• how it feels when one is constantly desiring what he does not have

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In the fourth stanza, the poet uses the word obdurate to show —

• how people repeatedly make choices that are not always wise

• how people stubbornly pursue relationships that are not always

  pleasurable

• how people repeatedly try to obtain possessions that cost too

  much money

• how people stubbornly stay in relationships longer than they should

An important message in “Having It Both Ways” is —

• the connection between the freedom of being able to do what you

  want and living by the rules of a relationship

• the tension between wanting your partner to understand the intensity

  of your feelings for them and not wanting to overpower them

• the virtuousness of liberty versus the vices of romantic love

• the conflicting desires for emotional freedom and the feelings of

  being in love

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In Lines 1 through 4, the poet —

• asks the reader to believe that she really is a superhero

• starts to build a simile between a superhero and the speaker

• contrasts herself to a superhero who can do anything

• describes how a superhero struggles to meet expectations

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The author uses pop-culture references to —

• explain how being in love makes people feel like a superhero

• illustrate the theme of vulnerability in love

• try to get graphic novel readers to read poetry

• explain how writing makes her feel like a superhero

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How does the last line of the poem contrast with what has come before?

• The description of outlandish behavior at the beginning of the poem

  contrasts with the everyday activities at the end of the poem.

• The calming tone at the beginning of the poem contrasts with the

  feelings of action at the end of the poem.

• The discussion of a superhero at the beginning of the poem contrasts

  with the description of a villain at the end of the poem.

• The image of a being who cannot be wounded contrasts with the

  image of one who is vulnerable.

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“Having It Both Ways” and “Superheart” connect thematically because both poems —

• describe the bliss of true love

• suggest that love can be painful

• describe the suddenness of falling in love

• suggest that love is an everyday experience

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Navigating your emotions is no easy task.

What is "your take" or opinion on love and relationships and how do you "protect yourself from its pitfalls?

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