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The correct answer is D: alternating stanzas of four lines and two lines with a consistent rhyme scheme. The poem features a regular pattern where the four-line stanzas provide the narrative details, while the two-line refrain reinforces the main character's defiance.
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The correct answer is B: Each describes an episode that advances the story. The four-line stanzas narrate different events in the life of Willy Brennan, moving the story forward with each new episode.
It’s of a famous highwayman a story I will tell;
His name was Willy Brennan, in Ireland he did dwell;
And on the Kilworth mountains he commenced his wild career,
Where many a wealthy gentleman before him shook with fear.
5 Brennan on the Moor, Brennan on the Moor,
Bold and undaunted stood young Brennan on the Moor. . . .
One day, on the highway, as Willy he sat down,
He met the Mayor of Cashel a mile outside the town;
The Mayor, he knew his features—“I think, young man,” said he,
10 “Your name is Willy Brennan—you must come along with me.”
Brennan on the Moor, Brennan on the Moor,
Bold and undaunted stood young Brennan on the Moor.
As Brennan’s wife had gone to town provisions for to buy,
When she saw her Willy, she began to weep and cry;
15 He says, “Give me that tenpenny.” As soon as Willy spoke,
She handed him a blunderbuss, from underneath her cloak.
Brennan on the Moor, Brennan on the Moor,
Bold and undaunted stood young Brennan on the Moor.
Then with his loaded blunderbuss—the truth I will unfold—
20 He made the Mayor tremble, and robbed him of his gold;
One hundred pounds were offered for his apprehension there,
And he, with his horse and saddle, to the mountain did repair.
Brennan on the Moor, Brennan on the Moor,
Bold and undaunted stood young Brennan on the Moor.
25 Then Brennan being an outlaw, upon the mountain high,
With cavalry and infantry to take him they did try;
He laughed at them with scorn, until at length, it’s said;
By a false-hearted woman he basely was betrayed.
Brennan on the Moor. Brennan on the Moor.
30 Bold and undaunted stood young Brennan on the Moor. . . .
So they were taken prisoners, in irons they were bound,
And conveyed to Clonmel Jail, strong walls did them surround;
They were tried and found guilty—the Judge made this reply:
“For robbing on the king’s highway, you’re both condemned to die.”
35 Brennan on the Moor, Brennan on the Moor,
Bold and undaunted stood young Brennan on the Moor.
When Brennan heard his sentence, he made this reply;
“I own that I did rob the rich, and did the poor supply;
In all the deeds that I have done I took no life away;
40 The Lord have mercy on my soul against the judgment day.”
Brennan on the Moor, Brennan on the Moor,
Bold and undaunted stood young Brennan on the Moor. . . .
Which of the following best describes the poem’s organization?
A stanzas of two lines in which the end words of each line rhyme
B stanzas of four lines throughout with every other end word rhyming
C a pattern of two-, four-, and six-line stanzas with a changing rhyme scheme
D alternating stanzas of four lines and two lines with a consistent rhyme scheme
2 Which best describes a purpose of the four-line stanzas in the poem?
A Each adds a new theme to the poem’s meaning.
B Each describes an episode that advances the story.
C Each marks a new time and place in the chronology.
D Each repeats the same phrase about the main character.
1 answer