What is the central theme of the poem?
The importance of smiling
The relationship between the poet and his son
The relationship between the poet and his wife
What structural form does the poem take?
It is a sonnet
It has no set form
It is a dramatic monologue
What does the expression face-to-face like lovers suggest?
face-to-face like lovers
A confrontation between the father and son
The intimacy between father and son
The speaker waking up next to his wife
The expression hard-pressed grin suggests what?
hard-pressed grin
A wide and happy smile
A smile that doesn’t happen very often
A smile that is forced and disingenuous
What does the phrase mezzo del cammin refer to?
mezzo del cammin
The poet being middle-aged
The fact the poem takes place at midday
The poet feeding his son a bottle of milk
What does the poet mean when he says the true path?
the true path
The road outside his house
His dream of becoming a musician
His direction and purpose in life
What do you notice about the line See how the true gift never leaves the giver?
See how the true gift never leaves the giver
It is a paradox
It is very long
It is hyperbolic
What is Russell’s smile compared to in line 12?
An ocean
A river
The sun
What tone is used in line 13?
Melancholic
Sarcastic
Celebratory
Which word suggests that the poet is making a promise to his son at the end of the poem?
kissed
pledged
forever