Poetry and Drama Unit Test

Question

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Feature

Longing
by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Away

Away, away I would go if I could,
Perhaps to an overgrown sun-dapple wood;
Away, away I would fly in a flash,
If I thought peace awaited under a towering ash.

Away, away you would wish me go too,
If only the pain of my staying still was known to you;
Away, away you would bid me farewell,
And on my wellbeing, you’d never again dwell.

"Longing" by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Question
Use the poem to answer the question.

In 3–5 sentences, use effective reasoning to explain a conclusion you can draw from the structure of “Away.” Base your conclusion in part on the structure of the poem.

(4 points)

Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.

The answer is fully supported by details.

There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

3
The answer is mostly clear.

The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.

There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

2
The answer is somewhat clear.

Details are weak or not related.

There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

1
The answer is not clear.

There are few or no supporting details.

There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

0 The question is not answered.
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Answer 1

In Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem "Away," the repetitive structure of the phrase "Away, away" emphasizes the speaker’s deep longing to escape from their current situation. This insistence on departure suggests an overwhelming desire for peace and relief from pain, which is further illustrated in the contrasting imagery of nature, such as "sun-dapple wood" and "towering ash." Additionally, the second stanza reveals a tension between the speaker's desire to leave and their awareness of how their absence might affect others. This duality in the structure highlights both a personal desire for freedom and the emotional weight of connections to others, ultimately illustrating the complexity of longing for escape while grappling with the impact of one's decisions on loved ones.