On Turning Ten Poem Quiz & Flashcards on Questions

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Questions and Answers

What does the poem's first stanza demonstrate about the speaker?

Anxiety about the future

What power of childhood is shown in lines 13 through 16?

Imagination

What does the poet use the imagery in lines 21 through 23 to convey?

Share a sense of loss

For the speaker, what does the 'first big number' represent?

An important milestone Signup and view all the answers

How does the language of the final stanza suggest the future compared to childhood?

Difficult Signup and view all the answers

What is the poem's theme?

Growing up means letting go of the carefree innocence of childhood. Signup and view all the answers

Which line from the poem helps to demonstrate the poem's theme?

This is the beginning of sadness, I say to myself,... It is time to say good-bye to my imaginary friends, time to turn the first big number. Signup and view all the answers

What is the speaker's attitude (tone) towards aging?

The speaker compares his feelings about growing up to sickness. Signup and view all the answers

Which lines reveal the speaker's attitude (tone) towards aging?

Lines 5-7: A kind of measles of the spirit, a mumps of the psyche, a disfiguring chicken pox of the soul. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the tone (speaker's attitude) in stanza 3.

Gloomy Signup and view all the answers

Identify examples of metaphors.

I was an Arabian wizard, I could make myself invisible..., At seven I was a soldier, at nine a prince... Signup and view all the answers

Identify examples of symbolism.

Light: Innocence of childhood, Blood: The reality of growing up, Color Blue (of the bike): sadness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the poem's point-of-view?

First person Signup and view all the answers

Since this poem does not have a regular rhyme scheme, what type of poem is it?

Free verse Signup and view all the answers

Identify an example of hyperbole.

This is the beginning of sadness, I say to myself, as I walk through the universe in my sneakers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of "On Turning 10"

The poem explores themes of childhood, imagination, and the inevitable loss of innocence as one grows older.

Speaker's Initial Feelings

The speaker experiences anxiety about turning ten, likening it to physical ailments, indicating emotional distress.

Power of Childhood Imagination

The speaker reminisces about childhood fantasies of being an Arabian wizard, a soldier, and a prince, highlighting the boundless creativity of youth.

Sense of Loss

Describes the neglect of his bicycle, symbolizing lost vitality and joy, reflecting a feeling of sadness.

Milestone Representation

The term "first big number" symbolizes a significant change in life, marking the transition from childhood to a more complex stage of life.

Contrast Between Childhood and Adulthood

The final stanza presents a stark contrast between the innocence of childhood and the harsh realities and difficulties of adulthood.

Theme of Growing Up

The central theme revolves around the notion that growing up necessitates letting go of the carefree aspects of childhood.

Key Lines Highlighting Theme

Specific lines illustrate the sadness and farewell to childhood friends, marking the speaker's acknowledgment of growing responsibility.

Speaker's Attitude Toward Aging

The speaker's tone is negative towards growing up, comparing it to an illness, indicating distress over the loss of innocence.

Tone in Stanza Three

A gloomy atmosphere is depicted through reflections on lost joy and the somber nature of growing up.

Use of Metaphors

Several metaphors illustrate the transformative nature of imagination and the pain of growing up, enhancing emotional depth.

Symbolism in the Poem

Light symbolizes childhood innocence, blood represents adult responsibilities, and the color blue conveys sadness.

Point-of-View

The poem is written in the first person, creating a personal and intimate connection with the reader.

Poetic Form

Classified as free verse, lacking a regular rhyme scheme, allowing for fluid expression of thoughts and emotions.

Example of Hyperbole

The speaker's declaration of sadness is exaggerated, emphasizing the immense emotional weight of growing up.

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Description

Explore the themes and emotions presented in Billy Collins' poem 'On Turning 10' with these flashcards. Each card delves into the speaker's feelings about growing up, addressing anxiety and the loss of childhood innocence. Perfect for literature enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of this poignant work.