Billy Collins Introduction to Poetry

The poem use commanding language such as I ask them to take...' "I say drop...' and 'I want them to waterski'. What do we call these words?

• Pejorative

• Alliteration

• Metaphors

• Imperatives

Answer explanation

The word imperative means 'vital that it is done' which is similar to the meaning in linguistics. An imperative verb is an instruction or order.

By dropping a mouse into the poem (and watching him probe his way out) the poet asking you to consider whether you...

• Can find a way out of the poem

• Can work it out

• Can trust your interpretation is the most important one

• Can find the light switch

Which of the following best describes why the writer might have written this poem?

• Because he wanted to describe something he felt happens too often with poetry reading.

• He wanted to bring a mouse into his poem.

• He likes bee hives.

• He wanted to get rave reviews about his poem.

Why might water be a good symbol for the poets representation of how poetry should be studied?

• Because it is fluid and changes its shape depending on the receptacle.

• Because it can be cold.

• Because water evaporates when it is heated.

• Because you can do lots of things on water like waterski, swim, dive or sail.

Answer explanation

Water, like poetry, means different things depending on where it is.

The writer's attitude toward the subject or audience.

• rhythm

• theme

• tone

• stanza

The central idea/message/lesson of the poem--a generalization about human behavior.

• mood

• tone

• symbolism

• theme

A paragraph of poetry is called a _______.

• line

• verse

• paragraph

• stanza

What is the main theme of Billy Collins' 'Introduction to Poetry'?

• A) The complexity of poetry

• B) The joy of reading poetry

• C) The frustration of teaching poetry

• D) The simplicity of poetry

In 'Introduction to Poetry', what does Billy Collins suggest readers do with a poem?

• A) Analyze it thoroughly

• B) Memorize it

• C) Experience it

• D) Ignore it

Which literary device is predominantly used in 'Introduction to Poetry' by Billy Collins?

• A) Simile

• B) Metaphor

• C) Alliteration

• D) Hyperbole