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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Solitary Reaper.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The characterization of the woman as a "Highland Lass" indicates that she is a young woman from what area?
(a) Scotland.
(b) Ireland.
(c) Wales.
(d) The Hebrides.

2. What is subtly appropriate about the meter in lines 25 and 26, "Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang / As if her song could have no ending"?
(a) The contraction in line 25 creates a second line of trimeter in this stanza, emphasizing the musicality of the song.
(b) Line 26 has four metrical feet instead of the expected three, creating a feeling of "lingering."
(c) Line 25 begins with a dactyl, emphasizing the importance of the content of the reaper's song.
(d) The feminine ending of line 26 emphasizes the idea of something that does not end when it is expected to.

3. In the fourth stanza, when the speaker finally places himself in the scene, what is it clear he is there to do?
(a) He is there to confess his love for the woman.
(b) He is delivering supplies.
(c) He is working on a farm.
(d) He is out walking.

4. What is the meaning of the word "Yon" in line 2, "Yon solitary Highland Lass"?
(a) My.
(b) Over there, that one.
(c) Nearby, this one.
(d) You.

5. In the second stanza, to whom is the nightingale depicted singing?
(a) Shepherds.
(b) The reaper.
(c) Travelers.
(d) The speaker.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where are "the farthest Hebrides" (line 16)?

2. In which stanza does the speaker make it clear that this event happened some time in the past?

3. Which stanza could be reasonably called the most positive in tone?

4. What do all three sentences in the third stanza have in common?

5. How does line 3, "Reaping and singing by herself," interrupt the poem's dominant metrical pattern?

(see the answer key)

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