The Portrait
by Stanley Kunitz
by Stanley Kunitz
Who is the speaker remembering in The Portrait?
Who is his father?
What natural task is the speaker describing?
Raking fallen leaves.
What does the poem encourage readers to do when they see a tree?
Think about its significance, strength, and what it gives.
What complaint does the speaker make in the poem?
Going to bed when it’s still light outside.
What does the speaker ask everyone in the world to do?
Keep still and silent for a moment.
What childhood moment marks the theme of memory and trauma?
Being slapped by his mother for asking about his father.
What feeling does the task of gathering leaves evoke?
A sense of futility or repetition.
How are trees personified in the poem?
As givers of books, shade, shelter, and even friendship.
What does the child’s perspective reveal about adult rules?
They often ignore the child’s sense of time and fairness.
What is the purpose of the silence in the poem?
To reflect and become aware of ourselves and others.
What does the slap symbolize in the speaker’s life?
Repression of grief and emotional disconnect.
How is nature used metaphorically in the poem?
As a symbol for the cycles of effort and meaninglessness.
What broader theme about nature does the poem celebrate?
The interconnectedness of life and the hidden gifts of nature.
What theme is central to the contrast between light and bedtime?
The conflict between natural rhythms and imposed schedules.
What social message does Neruda convey through silence?
That introspection could lead to peace and better understanding.
How does the poem portray memory as a source of pain?
By showing that a single moment can haunt someone for a lifetime.
What philosophical theme does Frost raise through the leaf-gathering?
That some tasks in life feel hollow but must still be done.
How does the poem promote environmental awareness?
By highlighting how much trees contribute to our lives.
How does the poem reflect on childhood innocence?
By showing the confusion and wonder about things adults take for granted.
How is silence contrasted with destruction?
Silence is healing, while action (like war) is often harmful.
What theme is suggested by the speaker’s return to this memory in adulthood?
That unspoken grief becomes inherited emotional trauma.
What is the tone of the poem regarding human effort?
Playful but subtly reflective or melancholic.
What does the poem suggest about human growth and learning?
That wonder and awareness begin by paying attention to the ordinary.
What emotion dominates the tone of the poem?
Mild frustration mixed with innocence and curiosity.
What is the poem’s final suggestion about stillness and renewal?
That stopping temporarily can help us start again with purpose.