The Ballad of Father Gilligan Quiz and Flashcards by W.B. Yeats

Questions and Answers

What did the old priest Peter Gilligan do when he found out that the man had died?

He roused his horse out of its sleep and rode to the sick man's house.

Describe the setting when the stars began to appear.

The moth-hour went from the fields, stars began to peep, and leaves shook in the wind as God covered the world with shade.

What did God do as the stars began to appear?

God covered the world with shade and whispered to mankind.

How did the sick man's wife react when she saw the old priest Peter Gilligan arrive?

She opened the door and exclaimed 'Father u come again!' Signup and view all the answers

What did the old priest Peter Gilligan do while the moths came once more?

He stood upright on the floor. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of 'The Ballad of Father Gilligan'?

William Butler Yeats Signup and view all the answers

What type of poem is 'The Ballad of Father Gilligan'?

Ballad Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of 'The Ballad of Father Gilligan'?

The presence of God and the power of prayer Signup and view all the answers

Describe Father Gilligan's condition at the beginning of the poem.

Weary night and day Signup and view all the answers

What prompts Father Gilligan to grieve in the poem?

When another poor man sent for him Signup and view all the answers

What is the main message conveyed in the text?

The main message is to persevere through challenges, keep working towards your goals, and have patience. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase '130 Footprints' in the text?

The phrase symbolizes the journey of life, with each footprint representing experiences and challenges encountered along the way. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of the line 'Still achieving, still pursuing' in the context of the poem.

This line emphasizes the importance of continuous effort and determination in reaching one's goals despite obstacles. Signup and view all the answers

What does the poet suggest by urging readers to 'Learn to labor and to wait'?

The poet is advising readers to understand the value of hard work and patience in achieving success. Signup and view all the answers

How does the poem's invitation to 'be up and doing' relate to the overall theme of perseverance?

The invitation encourages taking action and being proactive in facing challenges, aligning with the theme of perseverance and resilience. Signup and view all the answers

What genre does 'A Psalm of Life' belong to?

Carpe Diem poems Signup and view all the answers

Who is the poet of 'A Psalm of Life'?

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker believe about life in 'A Psalm of Life'?

It is a solemn duty and should be made worthwhile by becoming a good influence for future generations. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow honored in 1884?

Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey in London, England Signup and view all the answers

What phrase from Latin is associated with Carpe Diem poems?

Seize the day Signup and view all the answers

According to the poet, how should one conduct themselves each day?

By striving hard, progressing further than before, and leaving the results to God. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main message of the poem 'A Psalm of Life'?

The main message is to live life with purpose and to strive for progress and improvement. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the line 'Art is long, and Time is fleeting' in the context of the poem.

It highlights the idea that while art (or our actions) can have a lasting impact, time is constantly moving forward. Signup and view all the answers

What is the poet urging the reader to do in the poem?

The poet urges the reader to be proactive, heroic, and to make their life meaningful. Signup and view all the answers

How does the poem view the concept of the past and the future?

The poem suggests letting go of the past and not overly trusting the future, but rather focusing on the present. Signup and view all the answers

What imagery is used to describe life in the poem?

Life is compared to a battlefield, a camp, and a journey towards progress and improvement. Signup and view all the answers

What does the poem suggest about the legacy we leave behind?

The poem suggests that we can make our lives sublime and leave behind positive footprints for future generations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The poem is an inspirational piece that teaches lessons on life, emphasizing the importance of making it worthwhile and becoming a good influence for future generations.
The speaker believes that life is a solemn virtue and that one must progress further than before, providing impetus for others to create their own footprints.
The poem belongs to the genre of "Carpe Diem" poetry, which encourages readers to make the most of time.

Key Ideas and Themes

The importance of living life to the fullest and making it worthwhile
The need to progress and leave a positive impact on future generations
The concept of "Carpe Diem" (seize the day) and making the most of time
The idea that life is not sad and purposeless, but rather an opportunity to make a difference

The Poet: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) was an American poet and educator
He was the first citizen of the United States to be honored in Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey in London, England (1884)

The Ballad of Father Gilligan by William Butler Yeats

The poem is a ballad that tells the story of a dying priest, Father Gilligan
The poem explores the themes of love, grief, and the presence of God in times of need
William Butler Yeats was a Nobel Prize winner in Literature (1925)

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Description

Test your knowledge on 'The Ballad of Father Gilligan' by W.B. Yeats and discover the themes and content of the poem. This quiz covers details such as the characters, plot, and overall message of the poem.