PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Revision "Courage" by Anne Sexton
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
1. “Courage” is divided according to what basic organizing principle?
a. types of personalities
b. stages of life
c. various parts of the world
d. degrees of courage
2. Most of “Courage” is written in the second person, with the poet addressing the reader as “you.” The poet most likely chose this narrative voice in order to
a. create a sense of distance between herself and the reader.
b. create a sense of shared experience with the reader.
c. impart an accusatory tone to the poem.
d. create the impression that she is talking about no one in particular.
3. In “Courage,” when Sexton writes, “You did not fondle the weakness inside you,” the use of the word “fondle” connotes that weakness can sometimes be a source of
a. comfort.
b. confusion.
c. fear.
d. guilt.
4. In “Courage,” writing about acts of courage during warfare, Sexton writes, “Your courage was a small coal / that you kept swallowing.” This metaphor conveys the message that acts of courage can sometimes be
a. nourishing.
b. regrettable.
c. inspiring.
d. difficult.
5. Which of the following passages from “Courage” contains a simile?
a. “wallowing up the sidewalk”
b. “love as simple as shaving soap”
c. “you drank their acid/and concealed it”
d. “getting a transfusion from the fire”
6. Which of the following best captures Sexton’s meaning in these lines from “Courage”?
Later, / if you have endured a great despair, / then you did it alone, / getting a transfusion from the fire, . . .
a. Suffering can make you stronger.
b. Suffering drives you into greater solitude.
c. Suffering can warm the spirit.
d. Suffering lasts longer if you attempt to confront it alone.
7. Which choice best conveys the connotation of the word “stride” in this passage from “Courage”?
and at the last moment / when death opens the back door / you’ll put on your carpet slippers / and stride out.
a. unsteadiness
c. forgetfulness
b. panic
d. calm
8. The following passage from “Courage” contains an example of what figure of speech?
The child’s first step, / as awesome as an earthquake.
a. metaphor
b. personification
c. simile
d. hyperbole
9. What quality of the courageous person is conveyed by this passage from “Courage”?
Later, / if you faced the death of bombs and bullets / you did not do it with a banner, . . .
a. sadness
b. recklessness
c. modesty
d. regret
10. The following passage from “Courage” is an example of which figure of speech?
Your courage was a small coal / that you kept swallowing.
a. metaphor
b. personification
c. simile
d. hyperbole
11. The first twelve lines of “Courage” discuss examples of courage during which part of a person’s life?
a. childhood
b. adulthood
c. adolescence
d. old age
12. Which choice best captures the meaning of the phrase “and you’ll bargain with the calendar,” which appears in the part of “Courage” that deals with old age?
a. You will notice time passing more quickly.
b. You will look forward to the coming of spring.
c. You will resign yourself to impending death.
d. You will hope and strive to live a bit longer
13. What quality of courage is celebrated in these lines from “Courage” and throughout the poem?
Later, / if you faced the death of bombs and bullets / you did not do it with a banner, / you did it with only a hat to / cover your heart.
13. Ans: These lines celebrate the spirit of modesty and generosity that underlies acts of courage.
14. What important meaning is conveyed by Sexton’s choice of the word “fondle” in these lines from “Courage?”
You did not fondle the weakness inside you / though it was there.
14. Ans: By using the word “fondle” in this context, Sexton emphasizes the importance of not undermining our courage by indulging in, growing comfortable with, or even attached to, the sense of weakness that we all have to some degree.
15. When “Courage” turns to the subject of old age, the speaker says, “your courage will be shown in little ways / each spring will be a sword you’ll sharpen.” Identify the metaphor contained in these lines, and briefly explain its meaning.
15. Ans: The metaphor is “each spring will be a sword you’ll sharpen.” It means that, in old age, each additional year that you are alive will bring you enhanced and deepened wisdom with which to do battle with the struggles of life and aging.
