Question

1. identify the figurative language in line 13.
2. what do the words “bunched clamor” suggest?
3. line 18 - “how we stole in, lifted a sash and retreated, not to affright it,” what is the meaning of “stole” as it is used?
4. line 20 - “and how for a helpless hour, through the crack of the door,” - what is the meaning of the underlined phrase?
5. how does the structure of the poem (free verse, no set rhyme scheme) represent the poet’s view of the writing process?
6. line 23 - “batter against the brilliance, drop like a glove.” identify the figurative language (there’s more than one). explain your answer.
7. read line 31 - 33 “it is always a matter, my darling of life or death, as i had forgotten i wish what i wished you before, but harder.” what do you think is the wish the speaker has for his daughter?
8. highlight or underline the words/phrases that suggest freedom in the lines below “it lifted off from a chair - back, beating a smooth course for the right window and clearing the sill of the world.”
9. define the following words: a. nonchalant b. indulgent

Explanation:

1. Without seeing line 13, we can't identify the figurative language. But common types include simile, metaphor, personification etc.
2. "Bunched clamor" might suggest a noisy, crowded, and perhaps chaotic situation. The word - bunch implies a group or cluster, and clamor is a loud outcry.
3. "Stole" here likely means to move quietly and stealthily, as in sneaking into a place.
4. "For a helpless hour" likely means a period of time during which one feels powerless or unable to act.
5. Free - verse without a set rhyme scheme can suggest the poet views the writing process as free - flowing, spontaneous, and not bound by traditional poetic rules. It allows for more natural expression.
6. "Batter against the brilliance, drop like a glove" contains a simile ("drop like a glove") comparing the action of dropping to the way a glove might fall. There could also be personification if "batter" is seen as giving an inanimate object an action as if it were alive.
7. The speaker wishes for something important for their daughter, likely related to life - and - death matters, and the wish is stronger than before. But without more context, it's hard to be more specific.
8. Words like "lifted off", "beating a smooth course", and "clearing the sill" suggest freedom as they imply movement and a lack of restraint.

17a. Nonchalant means casual and relaxed, showing little concern or interest.
17b. Indulgent means being lenient or permissive, often spoiling someone by giving in to their wishes.

Answer:

1. Cannot be determined without line 13.
2. A noisy, crowded, chaotic situation.
3. To move quietly and stealthily.
4. A period of powerlessness.
5. Free - flowing and spontaneous.
6. Simile ("drop like a glove") and possibly personification.
7. A strong wish related to life - and - death matters for the daughter.
8. "lifted off", "beating a smooth course", "clearing the sill".

17a. Casual and relaxed, showing little concern or interest.
17b. Being lenient or permissive, often spoiling someone by giving in to their wishes.