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After clicking on a "Hear" button below, allow a few seconds for Real Player to open.  Each line takes only 3 - 4 seconds to read (a tiny download). If you don't have Real Player, click on the "Real Player FREE" icon, below, to install it--just follow the links for the FREE player.

"The Silken Tent" by Robert Frost

1     She is as in a field a silken tent

2     At midday when a sunny summer breeze

3     Has dried the dew and all its ropes relent,

4     So that in guys it gently sways at ease,

5     And its supporting central cedar pole,

6     That is its pinnacle to heavenward

7     And signifies the sureness of the soul,

8     Seems to owe naught to any single cord,

9     But strictly held by none, is loosely bound

10   By countless ties of love and thought

11   To everything on earth the compass round,

12   And only by one's going slightly taut

13   In the capriciousness of summer air

14   Is of the slightest bondage made aware.

 18.  What's the best way to read line 1, emphasizing the loudest syllable in the line? 

A

 She IS as in a field a silken tent

Hear A

 Affirms the truth of the statement
B She is as in a field a SILKen tent
Hear B Points to the refined qualities of the woman
C She is an in a FIELD a silken tent
Hear C Suggests the career strength of this woman
D She is as in a field a silken TENT
Hear D Calls attention to the opening comparison
 

19.  Which is the better way to read line 11, emphasizing the loudest syllable in the line?
A To EVerything on earth the compass round
Hear A Stresses how vast her ties are
B To everything on EARTH the compass round
Hear B Points out that her ties are only earthly
 

20.  Which is the better way to read line 14? (Note: The same syllable is emphasized; it's the tone that has to match the theme.)
C Is of the slightest BONDage made aware.
Hear C Sarcastically, because it isn't really bondage.
D Is of the slightest BONDage made aware.
Hear D Sadly, because the woman is tied down.

 Click the "Symbolism" button, above, to continue.
 

Prepared for the Virginia Community College System under a grant from the VCCS by Professor Eric Hibbison, Ph. D, who is solely responsible for its content.  © Copyright 2003, 2004 by the VCCS.  Any VCCS faculty member may copy the print from this web for instructional purposes for free.  Anyone may use this web for free online.  Paintings and music are copyrighted separately and may not be copied without permission of the original copyright holder.