Poetry: Break, Break, Break

Questions and Answers

Who is the poet of the poem 'Break, Break, Break'?

Walter de la Mare

Toru Dutt

Alfred, Lord Tennyson (correct)

William Shakespeare

Why was the poet sitting on the sea shore?

To come out from sorrow (correct)

To relax

To see the sunset

To view nature

What was happening at the sea shore?

The fisherman's children were playing

The sailor lad was singing in the boat

The sea waves were hitting the rocks

All of these (correct)

What is the meaning of crags?

Rough and steep masses of rock Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Tennyson's friend who died?

Arthur Henry Hallam Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean 'will never come back to me'?

Both B & C Signup and view all the answers

What is the color of the rock at the sea shore?

Gray Signup and view all the answers

Which country does the poet belong to?

England Signup and view all the answers

The poem 'Break, Break, Break' was written in?

1842 Signup and view all the answers

The poem 'Break, Break, Break' was published in?

1842 Signup and view all the answers

What did the poet's tongue utter?

The poet's tongue utters in sadness Signup and view all the answers

'Break, Break, Break' - the phrase is an example of?

Alliteration Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'fisherman's boy' doing?

He shouts with his sister at play Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'sailor lad' do?

He sings in his boat on the bay Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'stately' mean in 'Break, Break, Break'?

Something majestic, illustrious in quality Signup and view all the answers

And the ______ ships go on.

stately Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'haven' mean in 'Break, Break, Break'?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

Where are the 'stately ships' heading to?

Haven under the crags Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'vansh'd hand' refer to?

The hand of the poet's dead friend Signup and view all the answers

Whose voice is referred to in 'And the sound of a voice that is still!'?

The voice of the poet's dead friend Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'still' mean in 'And the sound of a voice that is still!'?

Dead Signup and view all the answers

Whom does the poet long for in the third stanza of 'Break, Break, Break'?

His friend Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Poet and Composition

"Break, Break, Break" is written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
The poem explores themes of grief, loss, and the passage of time.
Written in the 19th century, specifically published in 1842.

Setting and Imagery

The poet is at the seaside, reflecting on personal sorrow and loss.
The sea waves crashing against the rocks create a background of sound and motion.
Describes the scene with elements like fisherman's children playing and a sailor singing.

Key Terms and Meanings

"Crags" refers to rough, steep masses of rock along the coast.
"Stately" indicates something majestic or illustrious in quality.
"Haven" signifies a harbour or safe place, often used metaphorically for refuge.

Personal Loss and Memory

Tennyson mourns the death of his close friend, Arthur Henry Hallam.
The phrase "Will never come back to me" reflects on the finality of loss, particularly friendship and memories.
The poet expresses a longing for connection with his lost friend throughout the poem.

Elements of the Poem

"Break, Break, Break" exemplifies alliteration, a literary technique featuring repeated initial consonant sounds.
The repetition of "break" emphasizes the constant cycle of waves, paralleling the poet's feelings of grief.
The voice described in the line "And the sound of a voice that is still!" refers to Tennyson's lost friend, highlighting silence and absence.

Symbolism and Themes

The "stately ships" symbolize journeys and the inevitable progress of life, contrasting with personal sorrow.
The poet's relationship with nature serves as a backdrop for his emotional expression.
The poem reflects on the bittersweet nature of memories and the acceptance of loss.

Contextual Understanding

The setting serves as both a physical place and a metaphor for the poet's internal struggle.
Tennyson's use of maritime imagery captures the transitory nature of life and the emotional weight of memory.
The poet's choice to set the poem at the shore enhances the connection between nature and human emotion.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem 'Break, Break, Break'. This quiz covers key aspects such as the poet's motivations, imagery, and meanings within the poem. Engage with questions that will help you explore the themes and emotions depicted in this classic work.

Poetry: Break, Break, Break - Tennyson Quiz