Close Reading Practice

According to the third paragraph (lines 25–39), Emily Dickinson’s career was helped by Helen Hunt Jackson, who:

• published her; Mabel Loomis Todd, who transcribed her writing; and Lavinia Dickinson, who discovered her poems in a cabinet.

• encouraged her; Mabel Loomis Todd, who transcribed her work using a bizarre machine; and Lavinia Dickinson, who rescued her work from oblivion.

• encouraged her sister to keep writing; Mabel Loomis Todd, who convinced her to use a typewriter; and Lavinia Dickinson, who rescued her poems from a dresser drawer.

• taught her; Mabel Loomis Todd, who translated her writing into English; and Lavinia Dickinson, who introduced her poems to the public.

Which of the following most nearly paraphrases Helen Hunt Jackson’s statement to Emily Dickinson that “it is wrong to the day you live in, that you will not sing aloud” (lines 35–36)?

• It is morally reprehensible of you not to let other poets read your work.

• It is unacceptable for you to continue writing; you should become a singer.

• It is stingy and wrong of you not to read out loud to those who like your work.

• It is unfair to this age that you do not share your poetry with the world.

It may reasonably be inferred that the author considers Emily Dickinson “one of the luckiest great writers who ever lived” (lines 42–43) in part because:

• her writing was discovered in such a dramatic way by her editor.

• she lived such a romantic life, dressing in white and enjoying many suitors.

• she was never interrupted by her disciples.

• she lived in isolation, which allowed her much time to write.

It may reasonably be inferred from lines 10–17 that James Merrill respected Elizabeth Bishop’s poetry:

• and wished that reaction to her poems had not been complicated by gender issues.

• but was disturbed by her refusal to be included in women’s anthologies.

• but felt she should be more concerned with women’s issues.

• and was glad she was one of the four best women poets ever.

Which of the following best states the author’s response to Matthew Arnold’s view of the function of criticism (lines 65–76)?

• It makes her reflect on why criticism is always so negative, yet she knows that most people don’t read criticism.

• It makes her uncomfortable because so many respect Matthew Arnold, yet she realizes his ideas about poetry are now irrelevant.

• It makes her wonder who decides what is good, yet she knows most readers think they know what good poetry is and don’t have time to read bad poetry.

• It makes her question why more women don’t read Matthew Arnold, yet she realizes that few women today would find Arnold’s views engaging.

It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that Abshu and the Masons would agree with which of the following statements about the best way to raise a child?

• For a child to be happy, he or she must develop a firm basis in religion at an early age.

• For a child to be fulfilled, he or she must be exposed to great works of art and literature that contain universal themes.

• For a child to thrive and be a responsible member of society, he or she must develop a sense of discipline.

• For a child to achieve greatness, he or she must attach importance to the community and not to the self.

The fourth paragraph (lines 31–37) establishes all of the following EXCEPT:

• that Abshu had foster brothers.

• that the Masons maintained a clean house.

• how Mother Mason felt about the location of their house.

• what Abshu remembered most about his years with the Masons.

It can reasonably be inferred that which of the following characters from the passage lives according to Abshu’s definition of a life fully lived?

• Mother Mason

• Father Mason

• Abshu as a child

• Abshu as an adult

Which of the following statements about the children entering the community center is supported by the passage?

• They had unrealistic expectations that Abshu toned down in the course of informal conversations.

• In Abshu’s eyes, they were all gifted.

• In Abshu’s eyes, the children who were likely to succeed were the ones who gave him the most trouble at the outset.

• They were prepared to believe in each other more than in themselves.

It can reasonably be inferred from the first paragraph that in obtaining outside funding for the community center, Abshu could be characterized as:

• thorough in seeking out potential sources for financial backing.

• reluctant to spoil the children with charity.

• excited about having the children write grant applications.

• determined to let the children decide how the money would be spent.