Intro to Poetry by Billy Collins

What can be inferred from the poem's title?

In the first few lines, who does 'them' refer to?

Based on the relationship between the speaker and 'them,' what can you infer about the setting?

What action does the speaker want 'them' to do when he tells them to press an ear against the poem's hive?

In the lines that refer to the mouse, what does the speaker want 'them' to do with the poem that the mouse is doing?

When the speaker compares the poem to a room, what does the light switch symbolize?

What emotion is the author trying to convey with the image of waterskiing?

What is meant by waving at the author's name on the shore? What kind of relationship is necessary to wave at someone?

What are they doing when they try to torture a confession out of the poem?

Why did the author choose to have them beat the poem with a hose?

What is the theme, and which statement or line best supports it?

Title Implications

The title suggests a foundational exploration of poetry, indicating a straightforward, perhaps structured approach to understanding poetic elements.

Audience Reference

The term "them" likely refers to students, positioning them as the intended audience for the discussion on poetry.

Classroom Setting

The relationship between the speaker and the audience implies a classroom environment, highlighting an educational context for the poem.

Engaging with Poetry

By instructing the audience to press an ear against the "poem's hive," the speaker encourages active listening to uncover the poem's rhythm and essence.

Reader's Role

The mention of a mouse insinuates that readers must engage with the poem as if they are newcomers, exploring freely to find their way.

Poem as a Room

Comparing a poem to a room, the light switch symbolizes the reader's journey in discovering the poem's depth; it emphasizes exploration beyond mere words.

Emotion in Poetry

The waterskiing imagery conveys that poetry embodies emotions and feelings, allowing skilled readers to enjoy the experience while acknowledging the author.

Recognition and Comfort

Waving at the author's name symbolizes a friendly, familiar relationship, indicating comfort and recognition between the reader and poet.

Misguided Approaches

Attempting to "torture a confession" out of the poem suggests a harmful way of interpreting poetry, where readers restrict it in search of answers.

Harm in Interpretation

The metaphor of beating the poem with a hose indicates the damaging tendencies of readers and educators who impose their interpretations on poetry.

Central Theme

The poem expresses that poetry is a living, wondrous entity deserving of gentle exploration. Collins emphasizes a love for poetry as a source of mystery found in everyday language, encouraging openness to each poetic experience.

This quiz focuses on analysis questions regarding Billy Collins' poem 'Intro to Poetry'. It includes flashcards that cover various aspects of the poem, from inferences about the title to the relationship between the speaker and the audience. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this work.