Study Questions

1. The excerpt from Pope's poem points out and then gives examples of common errors in writing.  What are some of the problems that Pope addresses?
2. This excerpt is a good example of the importance of sounds in poetry. In line 365 Pope says "The sound must seem an echo to the sense. What does that mean?  Can you find examples and counter-examples in this excerpt?
3. Lines 370 and 371 are about one of the Greek heroes of the Trojan War. As you read these lines outloud, do you notice that they are difficult to say and they feel "heavy"? What has Pope done to make the words feel heavy? Can you identify the rhythm?
4. What does the poem have to say about alliteration, assonance, rhyme or heroic couplet?

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