Retrieval
Where is the zebra at the start of the poem?
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At the start of the poem, the zebra is…
At the start of the poem, the zebra is lost in the desert sands.
Why does the zebra begin to swelter?
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The zebra begins to swelter because…
The zebra begins to swelter because he is under the scorching sun in the hot desert.
What does the word parched suggest about the land?
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The word parched suggests that the land is…
The word parched suggests that the land is very dry.
How does the poet show that the desert is uncomfortable? (2 ideas)
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The poet shows that the desert is uncomfortable by…
The poet shows that the desert is uncomfortable by describing the scorching sun, parched land and stale air.
What three things does the zebra long for near the beginning of the poem?
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The zebra longs for…
The zebra longs for grass, shade and shelter.
Why does the zebra pine for the light of the Moon?
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The zebra pines for the light of the Moon because…
The zebra pines for the light of the Moon because night might bring cooler conditions and help him escape the burning sunlight.
What does the word obscured mean in the line, “It obscured the horizon”?
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The word obscured means…
The word obscured means blocked from view or hidden.
How do the zebra's feelings change from the middle to the end of the poem?
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The zebra's feelings change from…
The zebra's feelings change from feeling panicked and alone to feeling determined and able to return home.
What familiar thing does the zebra detect before finding his way home?
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The zebra detects…
The zebra detects the familiar scent of other zebras.
Why does the zebra start to panic when he asks, “Where to turn, which way to go?”
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The zebra starts to panic because…
The zebra starts to panic because he does not know which direction to take and fears he may not find his way home.
What does undeterred suggest about the zebra in the line, “His energy spent but his spirit undeterred”?
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The word undeterred suggests that…
The word undeterred suggests that the zebra is not stopped, even though he is tired.
How does the poet create a feeling of relief at the end of the poem? (2 ideas)
Sentence starter:
The poet creates a feeling of relief by…
The poet creates a feeling of relief by showing the zebra finding a familiar scent, rejoining his herd and finally being home.