AnswersLanguage Arts 11Emily Dickinson's Poetry

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Read the first stanza of "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church." Some keep the Sabbath going to Church – I keep it, staying at Home – With a Bobolink for a Chorister – And an Orchard, for a Dome – What does the use of the words “orchard” and “dome” suggest?

A
that the speaker’s innocence allows her to view religion as an extension of nature
B
that the speaker believes that faith can be glimpsed only in the natural world
C
that the speaker only feels close to her faith when she is enjoying the world of nature
D
that the speaker is able to see and feel her faith in everything that surrounds her
2
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Read the quotation from "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church." And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church, Our little Sexton – sings. What is the most likely reason for the poet to oppose the phrases “tolling the Bell” and “sings” in these lines?

A
The poet is expressing her belief that the second, more natural option is far more desirable than the first option.
B
The poet is contrasting her attitude about religion with her feelings about the natural world, which remains largely unappreciated.
C
The poet is suggesting that those who worship in nature are more formal than those who worship in church.
D
The poet is hinting that religious worship should be considered a gloomy and serious activity.
3

What is similar about the subjects of "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church" and "Because I Could Not Stop for Death"?

A
Both poems personalize a broad concept, such as spirituality or mortality.
B
Both poems advocate being fearful of one’s mortality.
C
Both poems concern religion on a basic and fundamental level.
D
Both poems address mortality, specifically that of human beings.
4

A clergyman is an official leader within an organized religion. Why does Dickinson call God “a noted Clergyman” in "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church"?

A
She is trying to convince readers of the seriousness of her worship.
B
She is expressing appreciation for those who discuss God with others.
C
She is poking gentle fun by suggesting that God is the supreme clergy.
D
She is expressing her respect for the members of the church clergy.
5

Read the second stanza of "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church." Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice – I just wear my Wings – And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church, Our little Sexton – sings. What is the effect of the word “surplice,” which is a garment worn by the clergy, in this stanza?

A
It reinforces the poet’s authority by suggesting that she knows quite a bit about religious rituals.
B
It reinforces the poet’s belief that most people feel the need to attend church.
C
It reinforces the difference between the natural things the speaker holds dear and the rituals of the church.
D
It reinforces the speaker’s view that great mystery lies at the heart of most religious rituals.
6

How does the first-person point of view in both "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church" and "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" help communicate the ideas presented in the poems?

A
It immediately persuades readers to accept each speaker’s entire worldview.
B
It makes the experiences and feelings described easier to sympathize with.
C
It makes readers think that they know someone like the speaker.
D
It makes readers think that the poet has personally experienced the events described.
7

In "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church," why does the speaker say that she has “an Orchard, for a Dome” in the first stanza?

A
She is suggesting that one can appreciate God only through nature.
B
She is suggesting that only she is able to view the natural world as sacred.
C
She is suggesting that nature can serve the same purpose as a church.
D
She is suggesting that she has made her house into a church.
8

How are the speakers of "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church" and "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" similar?

A
Both fear disapproval by others.
B
Both reject religious feelings.
C
Both are forthright and confident.
D
Both seem angry and tormented.
9

How are the moods of "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" and "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church" different?

A
The former has a serious mood, while the latter has a lighter mood.
B
The former has an anxious mood, while the latter has a joyful mood.
C
The former has a tense mood, while the latter has a suspenseful mood.
D
The former has an angry mood, while the latter has a celebratory mood.
10

How are the speakers’ attitudes toward God and Death similar in "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" and "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church"?

A
Both speakers seem obedient and submissive.
B
Both speakers seem fearful and confused.
C
Both speakers appear confident and accepting.
D
Both speakers appear amazed and awestruck.

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