Upon The Burning Of Our House
Comprehension quiz on Bradstreet's poem
- 1.
In her poem, Bradstreet mostly criticizes herself for-
- A.
Losing her faith in God's goodness
- B.
Failing to react quickly in an emergency
- C.
Not taking proper precautions against fire hazards
- D.
Valuing material possessions too much
Correct Answer
D. Valuing material possessions too muchExplanation
In her poem, Bradstreet criticizes herself for valuing material possessions too much. This is evident from the fact that she mentions how she has been attached to her earthly possessions and has not focused enough on spiritual matters. She regrets prioritizing material wealth over her faith and acknowledges that this is a flaw in her character. This self-criticism suggests that Bradstreet recognizes the importance of spiritual values and the need to prioritize them over worldly possessions.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Bradstreet emphasizes both the things she has lost and-
- A.
The people who escaped the fire
- B.
The new home that neighbors are building for her
- C.
Her memories of happy occasions in the house
- D.
The items she has rescued from the flames
Correct Answer
C. Her memories of happy occasions in the houseExplanation
Bradstreet emphasizes her memories of happy occasions in the house. The poem mentions how she lost her house and belongings in a fire, but throughout the poem, she reflects on the memories and happy moments that were associated with her home. She mentions the "pleasant things" that she enjoyed in her house and how those memories bring her comfort in her current situation. This emphasis on her memories suggests that they hold great value to her and are a source of solace amidst the loss.Rate this question:
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- 3.
When Bradstreet writes, "I blest His name that gave and took..." she implies that-
- A.
She is being punished for the sin of vanity
- B.
Material objects are ultimately God's and not her
- C.
She secretly wants all her possessions to vanish
- D.
God will be appeased if she says a prayer to Him
Correct Answer
B. Material objects are ultimately God's and not herExplanation
The correct answer implies that Bradstreet believes that material objects ultimately belong to God and not to her. This suggests that she recognizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and acknowledges that they are not truly hers to keep.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When Bradstreet writes, "Thou hast an house on high erect..." she means that
- A.
Whatever is destroyed can soon be rebuilt
- B.
God has prepared an eternal dwelling place for all believers
- C.
She is bitter about those people who still have homes
- D.
One should dwell upon the good things in life
Correct Answer
B. God has prepared an eternal dwelling place for all believersExplanation
In this line, Bradstreet is referring to a house that is "on high erect," suggesting that it is a heavenly dwelling. This implies that God has prepared an eternal dwelling place for all believers, indicating that after death, believers will have a permanent home in heaven.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Bradstreet's views might be described as spiritual because she-
- A.
Repeatedly refers to God and His will
- B.
Emphasizes that real value cannot be found in earthly things
- C.
Writes movingly of the things she lost
- D.
Clearly explains how a person feels after a disaster
Correct Answer
B. Emphasizes that real value cannot be found in earthly thingsExplanation
Bradstreet's views can be described as spiritual because she emphasizes that real value cannot be found in earthly things. This suggests that she believes in the importance of focusing on spiritual and eternal aspects rather than material possessions or worldly achievements. By highlighting the limitations and transience of earthly things, Bradstreet implies a deeper understanding of the spiritual realm and the significance of spiritual values. This aligns with the concept of spirituality, which often involves seeking meaning and purpose beyond the material world.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the "thund'ring noise" that woke Bradstreet?
- A.
A clap of lightning
- B.
The drums of English soldiers
- C.
The burning of her home
- D.
A raging river
Correct Answer
C. The burning of her homeExplanation
The correct answer is "The burning of her home." This can be inferred from the phrase "thund'ring noise," which suggests a loud and sudden sound. The burning of her home would create a loud noise and wake Bradstreet.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In this poem, who is the "mighty Architect"?
- A.
Bradstreet's Uncle
- B.
A kindly Puritan
- C.
God
- D.
The man who built Bradstreet's house
Correct Answer
C. GodExplanation
The correct answer is God. In the poem, the "mighty Architect" refers to a higher power or divine being who is responsible for creating and designing the world. This is evident in the use of the word "mighty" which suggests great power and the capitalization of "Architect" which implies a divine figure. Additionally, the other options such as Bradstreet's uncle, a kindly Puritan, and the man who built her house do not align with the theme of the poem or the imagery associated with the "mighty Architect".Rate this question:
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- 8.
In the last five lines, what does Bradstreet wish to no longer love?
- A.
Possessions
- B.
Human beings
- C.
Those who set the fire
- D.
Glory
Correct Answer
A. PossessionsExplanation
In the last five lines, Bradstreet expresses her desire to no longer love possessions. She acknowledges that material possessions are temporary and can be easily lost or destroyed, causing pain and anguish. Instead, she wishes to focus on more meaningful and lasting things in life, such as love and relationships, rather than being attached to material wealth.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following excerpts is the best example of inversion?
- A.
"My hope and treaseure lies above."
- B.
"And them behold no more shall I."
- C.
"Thou has an house on high erect..."
- D.
"No candle e'er shall shine in thee..."
Correct Answer
B. "And them behold no more shall I."Explanation
The excerpt "And them behold no more shall I" is the best example of inversion because it reverses the typical subject-verb-object word order. In a normal sentence, it would be "I shall behold them no more." However, in this excerpt, the verb "behold" comes before the subject "I" and the object "them," creating an inverted structure.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following word groups is not an example of inversion?
- A.
"In silent night when rest I took..."
- B.
"For sorrow near I did not look..."
- C.
"I wakened was with thund'ring noise..."
- D.
"And piteous shrieks of dreadful voice."
Correct Answer
D. "And piteous shrieks of dreadful voice."Explanation
The word group "And piteous shrieks of dreadful voice" is not an example of inversion because the word order is not inverted. The subject "shrieks" comes before the verb "were," and the adjective phrase "of dreadful voice" follows the noun. Inversions typically involve reversing the usual subject-verb order for emphasis or poetic effect, which is not the case in this word group.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Plain style can be distinguished from high style because Plain style-
- A.
Uses specific terminology commonly employed in farming
- B.
Emphasizes uncomplicated sentences and uses words from common speech.
- C.
Was originially employed in the flat, treeless regions of the Great Plains
- D.
Employs a profound spiritual or religious tone
Correct Answer
B. Emphasizes uncomplicated sentences and uses words from common speech.Explanation
The correct answer is that plain style emphasizes uncomplicated sentences and uses words from common speech. This is evident from the description provided, which states that plain style emphasizes simplicity and uses language that is commonly used by the general population. The other options, such as specific terminology commonly employed in farming or a profound spiritual or religious tone, are not mentioned in the description and therefore cannot be considered as distinguishing features of plain style.Rate this question:
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- 12.
In the last part of this poem, Bradstreet uses house as a metaphor for -
- A.
The afterlife
- B.
The things she has lost
- C.
God
- D.
Friends and family
Correct Answer
A. The afterlifeExplanation
In the last part of the poem, Bradstreet uses the metaphor of a house to symbolize the afterlife. This can be inferred from the context and imagery used in the poem, suggesting that she is reflecting on the idea of her own mortality and what comes after death. The use of the house as a metaphor implies that the afterlife is a place of comfort, security, and permanence, just like a home.Rate this question:
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Sep 26, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 18, 2012Quiz Created by
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