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

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

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

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

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.

“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

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?