Semester Exam Guiding Questions Part 2

Ode to My Socks

This poem plays a lot with the difference between literal and figurative perspective in its treatment of the concept of gift-giving and gift receiving.  Identify some different levels of this dynamic and how they function in the poem.

How does the author use things we tend to take for granted as metaphors in this poem?

How does the metaphorical use of these things tie into the first question?  How can we expand our perspective through metaphorical value?

While feet and socks are not things we tend to glamorize, there are mention of several things that are considered rare and sacred.  How does this contrast in voice and imagery function in the poem?

A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings

This story comes from the genre known as magic realism.  How does the contrast between how the angel is portrayed in the story and how our culture typically thinks of "angels" work in regard to this genre?

Why do the people of the village lose interest in the angel?  What cultural commentary might the author be making about what we value in life?

Although a small detail, there is some subtle, but biting, commentary about human values and modern society in the section in which Father Gonzaga's former profession is identified.  Expand on this.

Does this story fit the mold of an "angel story?"  How do alternative perspectives on widely used models of storytelling retain or lose their original values?