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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What reasonable inference can be made about the reaper from line 17, "Will no one tell me what she sings?"?
(a) She is singing in a language the speaker does not understand.
(b) She is singing an old folk song that the speaker does not know the title of.
(c) She is too far away to be heard clearly.
(d) She is singing a song that she has made up herself.

2. Which is the best interpretation of line 6's reference to "a melancholy strain"?
(a) Persistent pain.
(b) Hard work.
(c) A sad song.
(d) A difficult burden.

3. What is the stanzaic form of "The Solitary Reaper"?
(a) Octet.
(b) Octave.
(c) Ottava rima.
(d) Ballade.

4. What is the meaning of the word "lay" in the line "Or is it some more humble lay" (line 21)?
(a) A plan or pattern.
(b) A narrative poem written in couplets.
(c) Tune or song.
(d) A reclining position.

5. Where are "the farthest Hebrides" (line 16)?
(a) Chile.
(b) Russia.
(c) Scotland.
(d) Australia.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the "sickle" in line 28?

2. The characterization of the woman as a "Highland Lass" indicates that she is a young woman from what area?

3. In the fourth stanza, when the speaker finally places himself in the scene, what is it clear he is there to do?

4. What do the metaphors in lines 9-12 and 13-16 have in common?

5. What is the meaning of the word "Yon" in line 2, "Yon solitary Highland Lass"?

(see the answer key)

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