In Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise," the speaker is addressing an oppressive force or person with resilience and defiance, asserting their strength and determination to overcome challenges. The listener represents those who have tried to oppress or silence the speaker, and the message is one of empowerment and self-affirmation in the face of adversity.

In "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost, the speaker is the poet himself. Frost uses the poem to explore the destructive forces of desire and hatred, symbolized by fire and ice. The speaker reflects on how these opposing emotions can lead to the end of the world.

In "The Solitary Reaper" by William Wordsworth, the alteration scheme is ABABCDEDCDE. The poem features stanzas with a varied rhyme scheme, which adds to its lyrical and musical quality. Wordsworth's use of alternating rhymes helps to create a melodic rhythm that mimics the reaper's song.

"The Fourth" by Shel Silverstein is a humorous poem about a boy who starts a chain reaction of sneezing during church service by pretending to sneeze. It is a light-hearted and entertaining poem that explores the consequences of a simple action.

In Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman," the sound devices used include alliteration, assonance, and rhythm. The poem's music-like quality is created through the repetition of sounds, such as the "P" sound in "Pretty women wonder where my secret lies." Additionally, the poem's rhythm and cadence contribute to its powerful and confident tone.

"Mr. Nobody" is a poem written by Walter de la Mare. It explores the concept of missed opportunities and the choices we make in life.

I would compare "A Minor Bird" by Robert Frost with the works of Emily Dickinson, known for her introspective and nature-themed poetry. Both poets use simple language to explore complex themes like the relationship between humans and nature. Dickinson's focus on the inner thoughts and emotions of her speakers may provide an interesting contrast to Frost's more direct and descriptive style.

In Jabberwocky, "sought" means to search for or seek after something. It conveys the idea of making an effort to find or obtain something that is desired or needed.

The poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost explores themes of decision-making, uncertainty, and the idea of choosing a less conventional path. This can relate to the concept of stepping outside of one's comfort zone or societal norms, as the poem reflects on the consequences of choosing a less traveled route in life.

"Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein contains various types of figurative language, including similes, metaphors, personification, and imagery. These elements are used to create vivid and playful descriptions throughout the poems in the collection.

The line "Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up" is from Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall." In this poem, the speaker questions the necessity of a physical barrier (the wall) between neighbors and explores themes of tradition, boundaries, and common ground.

The theme of the story "My Father Goes to Court" by Carlos Bulosan centers on the challenges faced by Filipino immigrants in America, particularly the struggles for dignity, respect, and justice in a foreign land. The story highlights the sacrifices made by immigrant parents for the welfare of their children and the desire for social acceptance and equality in a society that often discriminates against them. Ultimately, it portrays the universal theme of the human quest for belonging and recognition.

The Fireside Poets, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and John Greenleaf Whittier, were known for their accessible and sentimental poetry that gained wide popularity and helped to establish an American literary tradition. Their works often focused on themes of morality, patriotism, and nature, appealing to a broad audience and setting a standard for American poetry in the 19th century. They helped to shape a distinct national identity through poetry that resonated with the values and experiences of everyday Americans.

In this context, the word "contrived" means artfully crafted or deliberately created. It suggests that the creation being described has been carefully orchestrated or skillfully constructed.

In "Resolution and Independence," Wordsworth recounts a meeting with an old leech-gatherer who imparts wisdom and resilience despite his poverty and solitude. The poem explores themes of nature, wisdom, and the power of perseverance in the face of hardship. Ultimately, the encounter inspires the poet to find solace in nature and to appreciate the strength that comes from humility and endurance.

Yes, T.S. Eliot is fond of cats in his poem "The Naming of Cats." In the poem, he describes the mysterious and unique nature of cats, highlighting their ineffable qualities that set them apart from other animals. The poem reflects Eliot's appreciation for cats and their enigmatic presence in the world.

The tree mentioned in Lewis Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky" is the "vorpal blade" tree, from which the protagonist takes a sword to slay the fearsome Jabberwock creature. The vorpal blade is a weapon used by the hero to defeat the creature in the fantastical world of the poem.

"Po' Boy Blues" by Langston Hughes is a poem that explores the struggles and hardships faced by African Americans in a society that discriminates against them. The poem conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair, as well as the desire for freedom and equality. Through vivid imagery and a poignant tone, Hughes captures the essence of the African American experience during that time.

William Wordsworth was educated at Hawkshead Grammar School and later attended St. John's College, University of Cambridge. He did not complete his degree at Cambridge but continued to educate himself through extensive reading and travel.

because (and if you listen to the song) bombolurina and Demeter say "For when they reach the scene of crime Macavity's not there!"

In the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling, he suggests that one should remain composed and humble in the face of both success (triumph) and failure (disaster), recognizing that these are transient aspects of life. By treating both outcomes with equanimity and maintaining a balanced perspective, one can navigate life's ups and downs with grace and resilience.

In the poem "A Sketch" by William Wordsworth, the speaker describes the beauty of nature and the profound connection he feels with it. He uses vivid imagery to convey the peaceful and transcendent experience of being in nature, emphasizing its ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the restorative power of nature and the importance of taking time to appreciate its wonders.

The main character in "The White Seal" by Rudyard Kipling is Kotick, a young white seal who goes on a journey to find a safe home for his fellow seals away from human hunters. Other characters include Sealskin, Kotick's mother, and Sea Catch, a male seal who became the leader of the island's seals.

Yes, Robert Frost wrote "The Road Not Taken" before sailing from the US to England. A line from the poem supporting this is: "I shall be telling this with a sigh / Somewhere ages and ages hence." This suggests reflection and recounting of a past experience, which typically happens after the event has occurred.