Exploring the Text

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  1. What is the ambiguity in the description “child of scorn” (l. 1)? What are two possible meanings?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What is the ambiguity in the description “child of scorn” (l. 1)? What are two possible meanings?
  2. The words used to describe Cheevy’s view of “the days of old” (l. 5) are fairly clichéd: “When swords were bright and steeds were prancing; / The vision of a warrior bold” (ll. 6–7). What effect does E. A. Robinson achieve by choosing such hackneyed expressions?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - The words used to describe Cheevy’s view of “the days of old” (l. 5) are fairly clichéd: “When swords were bright and steeds were prancing; / The vision of a warrior bold” (ll. 6–7). What effect does E. A. Robinson achieve by choosing such hackneyed expressions?
  3. Why does Cheevy dream of “Thebes and Camelot, / And Priam’s neighbors” (ll. 11–12)? What do these examples have in common?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Why does Cheevy dream of “Thebes and Camelot, / And Priam’s neighbors” (ll. 11–12)? What do these examples have in common?
  4. What is the “khaki suit” (l. 22)? What is “iron clothing” (l. 24)?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What is the “khaki suit” (l. 22)? What is “iron clothing” (l. 24)?
  5. How do you interpret these lines: “Miniver scorned the gold he sought, / But sore annoyed was he without it” (ll. 25–26)?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How do you interpret these lines: “Miniver scorned the gold he sought, / But sore annoyed was he without it” (ll. 25–26)?
  6. What examples of humor do you find in this poem? Consider elements such as word choice, alliteration, repetition, and allusion as well as patterns of rhyme and rhythm. How would you characterize the humor? Is it gentle sarcasm? Bitter irony? Playful wit?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What examples of humor do you find in this poem? Consider elements such as word choice, alliteration, repetition, and allusion as well as patterns of rhyme and rhythm. How would you characterize the humor? Is it gentle sarcasm? Bitter irony? Playful wit?
  7. Do you think that Miniver Cheevy’s inability to fit into his own era is a consequence of history (i.e., he was born at the wrong time) or the result of his own character failings? Make your case with concrete references to the text of the poem.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Do you think that Miniver Cheevy’s inability to fit into his own era is a consequence of history (i.e., he was born at the wrong time) or the result of his own character failings? Make your case with concrete references to the text of the poem.
  8. What is the tone of the poem? Cite specific words and lines to support your response.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What is the tone of the poem? Cite specific words and lines to support your response.