Keeping Quiet

Question 1

let’s not speak in any language; / let’s stop for a second,”

Answer 1

Repetition of “let’s” at the beginning of clauses for emphasis. (Anaphora)

Question 2

Now we will count to twelve, not move our arms so much

Answer 2

Repetition of the ‘o’ sound creates a melodic rhythm. (Assonance)

Question 3

we will

Answer 3

Repetition of initial consonant sounds (‘w’) for musicality and emphasis. (Alliteration)

Question 4

Now we will count to twelve

Answer 4

Counting symbolizes a brief, defined period of time, representing a moment of global stillness and unity. (Symbolism)

Question 5

let’s not speak in any language

Answer 5

Language” represents different races and cultures, indicating a global silence transcending cultural differences. (Metonymy)

Question 6

for once on the face of the earth,

Answer 6

Exaggerates the rarity and global scale of the action being suggested. (Hyperbole)

Question 7

nd not move our arms so much

Answer 7

Creates a visual image of physical stillness and rest, underscoring the poem’s theme. (Imagery)

Question 8

Fishermen in the cold sea / would not harm whales” and “the man gathering salt / would not look at his hurt hands

Answer 8

Creates visual images of peaceful coexistence with nature and a break from labor. (Imagery)

Question 9

“without rush, without engines

Answer 9

Contrasts the absence of “rush” and “engines” with the idea of an “exotic moment.” (Juxtaposition)

Question 10

Fishermen in the cold sea / would not harm whales

Answer 10

Fishermen and whales symbolize the oppressor and the oppressed, suggesting harmony. (Symbolism)

Question 11

we would” (repetition of ‘W’), “sudden strangeness” (repetition of ‘S’), “his hurt hands” (repetition of ‘H’)

Answer 11

Adds a musical element and draws attention to the phrases. (Alliteration)

Question 12

It would be an exotic moment

Answer 12

Describes the moment of global stillness as unique and profound. (Hyperbole)

Question 13

wars with” (repetition of ‘W’), “clean clothes” (repetition of ‘C’)

Answer 13

Adds musicality and draws attention to the phrases. (Alliteration)

Question 14

victory with no survivors, would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers.

Answer 14

Repetition of the ‘o’ sound creates a melodic rhythm. (Assonance)

Question 15

wars with gas, wars with fire

Answer 15

Repetition of “wars” highlights the persistent theme of conflict. (Repetition)

Question 16

Green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire.” “victories with no survivors

Answer 16

Contrasts the destructive nature of war with misleadingly benign terms; victory implies success but results in complete loss. (Irony)

Question 17

clean clothes

Answer 17

Symbolizes peace and renewal, suggesting a fresh start away from conflict. (Symbolism)

Question 18

I want no truck with death

Answer 18

Truck” is used metaphorically to mean involvement, emphasizing a preference for life and peace. (Metaphor)

Question 19

victories with no survivors

Answer 19

Juxtaposes “victories” with “no survivors,” highlighting the futility of war. (Oxymoron)

Question 20

What I want should not be confused / with total inactivity. / Life is what it is about…

Answer 20

Suggests that doing nothing is about choosing life over death, revealing a deeper truth. (Paradox)

Question 21

we were” (repetition of ‘W’), “so single-minded” (repetition of ‘S’)

Answer 21

Adds a musical element and draws attention to the phrases. (Alliteration)

Question 22

If we were not so single-minded / about keeping our lives moving, / and for once could do nothing,”

Answer 22

Presents a hypothetical situation, suggesting a different way of living. (Hypothetical Situation/Conditional Statement)

Question 23

and for once could do nothing, perhaps a huge silence / might interrupt this sadness / of never understanding ourselves / and of threatening ourselves with death.

Answer 23

Continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza. (Enjambment)

Question 24

a huge silence / might interrupt this sadness”

Answer 24

Attributes human ability to “interrupt” to silence, suggesting it can actively intervene. (Personification)

Question 25

a huge silence”

Answer 25

Amplifies the extent and impact of silence, suggesting it has a profound presence. (Hyperbole)

Question 26

might interrupt this sadness / of never understanding ourselves

Answer 26

Evokes a mental image of an introspective struggle, highlighting inner turmoil. (Imagery)

Question 27

threatening ourselves with death

Answer 27

Suggests that the pace of life and lack of self-understanding are akin to a threat. (Metaphor)

Question 28

Perhaps the Earth can teach us

Answer 28

The Earth is given the human ability to teach, suggesting it has wisdom to offer. (Personification)

Question 29

as when everything seems dead / and later proves to be alive

Answer 29

Comparison is extended to suggest learning from natural cycles to human behavior. (Extended Metaphor)

Question 30

as when everything seems dead / and later proves to be alive.

Answer 30

Evokes the image of the natural cycle of seasons, symbolizing hope and rebirth. (Imagery)

Question 31

everything seems dead / and later proves to be alive

Answer 31

Highlights the transformative power of nature and the potential for renewal. (Contrast)

Question 32

Now I’ll count up to twelve / and you keep quiet and I will go

Answer 32

Repetition of the counting ties back to the poem’s opening, emphasizing the theme. (Repetition)