A. Answers with their respective questions:
1. a. Ans: The phrase 'a ribbon at a time' suggests a gradual and slow process of the Sun's rising, as if it is unfolding slowly like a ribbon being unfurled.
b. Ans: The word 'swam' suggests a sense of movement and fluidity. It implies that the steeples appeared to be immersed or floating in the amethyst-colored atmosphere.
c. Ans: The news referred to in the last line is metaphorical. It represents the spreading of information or events, possibly in a lively and quick manner, similar to how squirrels move rapidly.
d. Ans: The phrase 'like squirrels ran' indicates that the news spread quickly and energetically, much like how squirrels move swiftly.
2.a. Ans: The first line refers to the sunrise, indicating the early morning time of the day.
b. Ans: The mention of 'bonnets' in this context is metaphorical. It implies that the hills are adorned or covered with something, possibly a picturesque scenery or natural beauty.
c. Ans: A 'bobolink' is a type of small songbird, known for its melodious and cheerful singing.
d. Ans: The bobolinks started singing or chirping, indicating their activity and presence in the surrounding environment.
3.a. Ans: Without the full context, it is not clear whom the pronoun '' refers to. Please provide more information or the complete sentence for a more accurate answer.
b. Ans: The word 'then' refers to a specific moment in the past, indicating the time when the speaker had a realization or thought.
c. Ans: The speaker is expressing her realization that the phenomenon she witnessed was the rising of the Sun.
d. Ans: The speaker speaks softly to herself as an instinctive reaction to the awe or wonder she experiences upon realizing that what she witnessed was the Sun rising. Speaking softly can be a way to express reverence or quiet contemplation.
B. Answer these questions.
1.
Ans: The speaker wants to convey her observations and experiences related to the sunrise and the events that unfold in nature during that time.
2.
Ans: When the Sun rises, various changes occur in the environment, such as the hills becoming visible, the colors of the sky transforming, and the birds becoming active and vocal.
3.
Ans: When the Sun sets, the opposite occurs. The hills may lose their visibility, the sky undergoes a change in colors, and the birds might become less active or go to their resting places.
4.
Ans: Without the specific line or context, it is not clear what the speaker doesn't know. Please provide more information for a more accurate answer.
5.
Ans: Without the specific line or context, it is not clear what is meant by 'the other side.' Please provide more information for a more accurate answer.
6.
Ans: Without the specific line or context, it is not clear who guides the children. Please provide more information for a more accurate answer.
7.
Ans: The poem seems to primarily focus on the themes of sunrise and the changes in nature associated with it. However, without the full text, it is difficult to make a definitive judgment. Other interpretations may arise when considering the complete poem.
8.
Ans: The theme of the poem appears to revolve around the beauty and wonder of nature, particularly the enchanting moments of sunrise. It may also explore the idea of observing and appreciating the natural world.
9.
Ans: Without the specific lines or context from the second stanza, it is challenging to determine what is symbolized. Please provide more information for a more accurate interpretation.
10.
Ans: These lines describe the presence of a purple stile (a gate or structure) that appears to be climbed by little yellow boys and girls. It could symbolize a metaphorical transition or journey that the children are undertaking, possibly representing their growth, exploration, or passage into a new phase of life.