The Clock Man & On Turning Ten
Quiz by Kelly Locastro
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- Q1
Use "The Clock Man" to answer this question.
Why does Shel Silverstein use dialogue in the poem?
Silverstein uses dialogue to personify time as a clock man which causes the reader to think about aging with a new perspective.
Silverstein uses dialogue to convey his love for personal conversation which helps the reader understand that speaking well is important.
Silverstein uses dialogue to help the reader get to know both characters so the reader will feel a deeper connection with them.
Silverstein uses dialogue so the reader can understand how frustrated the clock man was when the child would not buy time from him.
120s - Q2
Use "The Clock Man" to answer this question.
How does Shel Silverstein’s repetition of the first line in each stanza contribute to the reader’s understanding of the theme?
The repetition draws the attention of the reader to the first line, so the reader focuses on the question rather than the speaker’s response.
The repetition shows the reader how the speaker is decidedly satisfied with the amount of time he has left.
The repetition emphasizes the importance of buying time when one is young rather than waiting until you’re old.
The repetition highlights how the speaker responds differently to the same question throughout his life.
120s - Q3
Use "On Turning Ten" to answer this question.
How does Billy Collins’s use of metaphors in stanza 1 help the reader understand how the speaker feels about turning a year older?
The speaker contrasts growing up with what it’s like to be sick, which shows that he feels positively about growing up.
The speaker feels physically nauseated by age and older people.
The speaker compares his feelings about growing up to sickness, which suggests that he is not looking forward to growing up.
The speaker fears aging because he associates it with sickness and dying.
120s - Q4
Use "On Turning Ten" to answer this question.
What is the author’s tone is stanza 3?
sullen
disgruntled
sarcastic
whimsical
120s - Q5
Use "On Turning Ten" to answer this question.
What diction (word choice), imagery, or figurative language helps develop the tone in stanza 3?
The phrase “tree house” reminds the readers of their own childhood. The image of the “bicycle...against the garage” suggests that the reader had a carefree childhood.
The words “window” and “light” indicate that there is a silver lining in the speaker’s future. The image of the bicycle leaning against the garage give the reader hope that he will ride again.
The words “mostly” and “never” suggest that the reader is never satisfied. The image of the “dark blue speed” makes the connection to the blue sky which connotes a new day or beginning.
The word “solemnly” suggests a level of seriousness, while the words “leaned” and “drained” imply a physical and emotional resignation. The images of the “late afternoon light” and the falling sun connote an ending.
120s - Q6
Use both poems to answer this question.
Reread the last stanza in both poems. Both authors use the last stanza in their poems to achieve a similar purpose. How does each author use the last stanza to contribute to the overall theme of each poem?
In both poems, the speakers have realized the effect of time and demonstrate their acknowledgement of aging and their own vulnerability.
In both poems, the speakers have realized how much they have missed out on in their lives and demonstrate regret.
In both poems, the speakers have realized that their lives have meant nothing and demonstrate a desire to relive their lives.
In both poems, the speakers grow more negative about time as they age and demonstrate anger that they cannot stop time.
120s - Q7
Use both poems to answer this question.
Which statement accurately contrasts the points of view of the speakers from both poems?
The speaker from “The Clock Man” feels that time is something that can be bought at any time, while the speaker of “On Turning Ten” knows that time cannot be purchased.
The speaker from “The Clock Man” only shows concern for the passing of time as he grows older, while the speaker of “On Turning Ten” is upset about time passing even while he is a child.
The speaker from “The Clock Man” regrets the way he has acted in his life, while the speaker of “On Turning Ten” feels satisfied with his life and does not wish for change.
The speaker from “The Clock Man” is unhappy about growing older, while the speaker of “On Turning Ten” looks forward to what a new age will bring.
120s