Group 10.

The Opposites
Look for words in the poem which are opposite in meaning to each of the following:
1. open - _____________ 4. uncertain - _____________ 7. moves - _____________
2. harmony - _____________ 5. built - _____________ 8. insincere - _____________
3. ridiculous - _____________ 6. cheerful - _____________ 9. loud - _____________
10. permanent - _____________

Group 9. Unlocking of Difficulty

Match the unfamiliar word in Column A with its meaning in Column B. Write only the capital letter of your choice
on the space provided.

A B
___1 bivouac A. passing swiftly
___2 earnest B. thick and strong
___3 fleeting C. full of sorrow
___4 forlorn D. wonderful or moral worth
___5 mournful E. a temporary camp or shelter
___6 muffled F. to sleep lightly
___7 slumber G. lonely
___8 stout H. extreme anxiety
___9 strife I. suppressed the sound
___10 sublime J. very angry or violent
K. serious and sincere

Group 8. Analyzing the Structure of the Poem

1. How many stanzas does the poem have? 2. How many lines are there in each stanza?
3. Identify the rhyme scheme of the poem.
4. What are the rhyming words in the poem? Are there internal and end rhymes?
5. What are the figures of speech used in the poem? Give the exact line/s.

Group 7. Comprehension Questions

1. What does the title mean? What is “psalm”? 2. What according to the poem is our “destined end” or purpose?

Group 6. Comprehension Questions

1. What does the title mean? What is “psalm”? 2. What according to the poem is our “destined end” or purpose?

Group 5. Comprehension Questions

1. How can one be a man according to Longfellow? 2. What does the speaker say life is not?
3. Describe the tone of the poem.

Group 4. Comprehension Questions

1. How can one be a man according to Longfellow? 2. What does the speaker say life is not?
3. Describe the tone of the poem.

Group 3. Comprehension Questions

1. How does Longfellow view life?
2. Explain the following lines:
a. Life is real! Life is earnest! b. Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife!

Group 2. Comprehension Questions

1. How does Longfellow view life?
2. Explain the following lines:
a. Life is real! Life is earnest! b. Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife!

Group 1. Comprehension Questions

1. What valuable lessons could be gleaned from the poem?
2. Explain the following lines:
a. Act, act in the living Present! b. Still achieving, still pursuing / Learn to labor and to wait.