Paired Selection-Poem & Drama-Literary Analysis Quiz

What do the stage directions in line 10 (“Anna fidgets with an old scarf tied around her wrist”) help the audience understand about Anna?

• She is proud of her costume and wants to show it off.

• She is angry and trying to hold herself back.

• She is nervous and holding onto something that gives her comfort.

• She is planning to give the scarf to Jacob as a gift.

What is the purpose of the final stage direction in line 22 (“She straightens up, steps toward the curtain—and into the light.”)?

• It shows that Anna is leaving the theater to go home.

• It symbolizes her decision to face fear and move forward.

• It shows that she still hasn’t made a final decision.

• It suggests that Jacob is pushing her onto the stage.

What theme is shared by both the poem and the play?

• The fear of being judged by others

• The importance of choosing the easier path

• The need to follow someone else’s expectations

• The challenge and growth that come from making uncertain choices

In both texts, how does the main character respond to the idea of risk?

• They avoid it and stay in their comfort zone.

• They accept it, even though they feel nervous or afraid.

• They rely on others to make the decision for them.

• They act like risk isn’t important and ignore it.

What is a key difference between the speaker in Crossroads and Anna in Before the Spotlight?

• The speaker in Crossroads is already confident, while Anna is not.

• The speaker is choosing between two paths; Anna is preparing for a moment she's already chosen.

• Anna is unsure about her future, but the speaker already knows what they want.

• Anna is supported by others, while the speaker is surrounded by a crowd.

What is one way the tone of Before the Spotlight is different from the tone of Crossroads?

• The play is angry and frustrated, while the poem is hopeful.

• The poem is fast-paced, while the play is sarcastic.

• The play feels personal and emotional, while the poem is more reflective and quiet.

• The play is gloomy, while the poem is cheerful and light.

Which statement best explains a similarity between the speaker in the poem and Anna in the play?

• Both are confident about their choices from the beginning.

• Both characters are afraid but consider taking a path that could lead to growth.

• Both try to hide their fear by pretending they are brave.

• Both choose to avoid taking a risk and stay where they are.

What are stage directions in a play?

• The dialogue the characters say aloud

• A description of the setting used in the first scene only

• Instructions in the script that tell actors how to move or speak

• The names of the characters at the beginning of each scene

What is the best definition of theme in a literary text?

• The problem that the character faces in the story

• The order in which events happen

• A message or lesson the author wants to share

• The location and time period of the story

In the poem Crossroads, what does the line “Whispering wonder, out of reach but bright” most likely represent?

• A literal light at the end of the road

• A feeling of danger and fear

• An opportunity that is tempting but uncertain

• The streetlights the speaker sees in the distance