Exploring the Text

1. Read stanza 1 (which you have doubtless heard many times) very carefully. How would you describe the imagery? What, if anything, do you find surprising? Explain.

   Question

   ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=

   Exploring the Text: - Read stanza 1 (which you have doubtless heard many times) very carefully. How would you describe the imagery? What, if anything, do you find surprising? Explain.
2. What is the nature of the appeal created by the rhetorical question at the end of the first stanza? Why do you suppose Key doesn’t end the other stanzas with rhetorical questions?

   Question

   ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=

   Exploring the Text: - What is the nature of the appeal created by the rhetorical question at the end of the first stanza? Why do you suppose Key doesn’t end the other stanzas with rhetorical questions?
3. To whom does the “band” (l. 17) refer? What has become of them?

   Question

   ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=

   Exploring the Text: - To whom does the “band” (l. 17) refer? What has become of them?
4. How does Key use contrasts throughout the poem? Choose two of them and describe the effect of each.

   Question

   ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=

   Exploring the Text: - How does Key use contrasts throughout the poem? Choose two of them and describe the effect of each.
5. Most Americans know—or are at least highly familiar with—the first stanza of the poem; in fact, many think that is the whole poem or song. Do you think the first stanza is the most appropriate one for the national anthem? Make an argument for the use of a different stanza at ceremonial occasions.

   Question

   ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=

   Exploring the Text: - Most Americans know—or are at least highly familiar with—the first stanza of the poem; in fact, many think that is the whole poem or song. Do you think the first stanza is the most appropriate one for the national anthem? Make an argument for the use of a different stanza at ceremonial occasions.
6. Many people have suggested that our national anthem should not be about war and bloodshed (not to mention that it uses the tune of a nineteenth-century British drinking song) but rather should be about something more inspirational, such as is found in songs like “America, the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” “This Land Is Your Land,” “My Country, ’Tis of Thee,” or even “Don’t Fence Me In.” Do you think “The Star-Spangled Banner” should remain our national anthem? Offer an alternative if you think it should be changed. Provide textual evidence from your choice.

   Question

   ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=

   Exploring the Text: - Many people have suggested that our national anthem should not be about war and bloodshed (not to mention that it uses the tune of a nineteenth-century British drinking song) but rather should be about something more inspirational, such as is found in songs like “America, the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” “This Land Is Your Land,” “My Country, ’Tis of Thee,” or even “Don’t Fence Me In.” Do you think “The Star-Spangled Banner” should remain our national anthem? Offer an alternative if you think it should be changed. Provide textual evidence from your choice.