NAME: _____________________
I Am Offering This Poem, page 393
Vance - HOMEWORK
Write the letter of the correct answer on the line.
_____ 1. Why is the speaker offering this poem to his loved one?
A. The speaker is hoping his poem serves as an apology for a past
wrong.
B. The speaker wants to get feedback on his writing.
C. The speaker wants to express his anguish over the death of a relative.
D. The speaker has nothing else to give the recipient.
_____ 2. To what winter items does the speaker compare the poem?
A. to a pair of mittens, a pair of boots, and a scarf
B. to a warm coat, a scarf, and a pair of thick socks
C. to a pair of earmuffs, a pair of boots, and a warm coat
D. to a pair of thick socks, a stocking cap, and a scarf
_____ 3. To what does the speaker compare a pot full of yellow corn?
A. the comfort of the speaker’s love expressed in the poem
B. the warmth of a fire’s embers
C. the morning sun on the horizon
D. the glow of candles on a wintry night
_____ 4. What does the speaker hope his poem will provide for the recipient?
A. a glimpse into the speaker’s current state of confusion
B. a treasured memory that offers the recipient comfort when lost
C. a recollection of a lost love
D. a remembrance of the passing of a beloved relative
_____ 5. According to the speaker, where might the recipient keep the poem?
A. in a memory box
C. in a treasured book of poetry
B. in a corner of a drawer
D. in a scrapbook of keepsake memories
_____ 6. What will the speaker do if the recipient comes knocking?
A. The speaker will give directions and then send the recipient away.
B. The speaker will answer and accompany the recipient on the
remainder of the journey home.
C. The speaker will not answer.
D. The speaker will answer, give the recipient directions, and invite the
recipient to come in and rest by the fire.
_____ 7. According to the speaker, what does a person need to continue living
on the inside when the world outside is cold and uncaring?
A. love
C. happiness
B. hope
D. trust
_____ 8. What words does the speaker repeat throughout the poem?
A. I believe in you.
C. I love you.
B. I have hope for us.
D. I will protect you.
_____ 9. What does the speaker want the recipient to feel?
A. the feeling of hope
C. the feeling of compassion
B. the feelings of being safe and loved
D. the feelings of regret and forgiveness
_____ 10. What qualities of this poem classify it as a lyric poem?
A. the poem’s focus on a single emotion and its use of imagery
B. the poem’s use of characters and plot to tell a story
C. the poem’s use of dramatic monologue and dialogue
D. the poem’s purpose to honor or praise a person who has passed away