A Considerable Speck
“A Considerable Speck” by Robert Frost highlights the bravery of a tiny speck confronting a giant signifying even the smallest can have a significant impact. Practise the following MCQs and questions & answers from the poem.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What does the poet mistake the speck for?
2. What is the initial perception of the poet about the speck?
3. How does the speaker describe the world around the speck?
4. How do the speaker's thoughts vary as the poem progresses?
5. What tone does the speaker use while addressing the speck?
6. The speaker refers to the speck as a 'sort of dust mote'. What does this phrase refer to the speck's position in the outside world?
7. How does the phrase 'its universe of dust' exhibit the theme of the poem?
8. The speaker realises something at the end of the poem. What does he ultimately try to convey in the poem?
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Reference to Context Questions
But unmistakably a living mite
With inclinations it could call its own.
Question: What does the last line of the passage imply about the nature of the mite?
Answer: This phrase suggests that the mite has its own instincts and desires that define its existence. It also implies that even tiny creatures can be significant enough to deserve recognition and respect, regardless of their size.
Question: How does the imagery in the above passage contribute to the theme of the poem?
Answer: The imagery of 'a living mite' evokes curiosity and a sense of wonder about the natural world. The poet invites us to celebrate the intricacies of life and advises us not to dismiss the smaller aspects of nature.
Collectivistic regimenting love
With which the modern world is being swept.
Question: Describe the phrase 'Collectivistic regimenting love'.
Answer: The term collectivistic suggests that the love being referenced focuses on a community or group rather than individual relationships. The term regimenting love depicts a controlled and structured form of love that lacks authenticity and personal connection. The poet reveals that this is how modern society approaches love through the phrase 'Collectivistic regimenting love'.
Question: How does the poet contrast modern love with the traditional notion of love?
Answer: Traditional notions of love emphasized genuine emotional connections and individual expression, whereas modern love prioritizes social norms and conformity, leading to a more superficial understanding of relationships.