Chapter: 02. Great Wide Beautiful Wonderful World
A. Answer these questions.
According to the first stanza, how is the World “drest”? The World is “drest” with wonderful water curled around it and wonderful grass upon its breast. What two specific actions does the wind perform with the mills and on the hills? The wind whirls the mills and talks to itself on the tops of the hills. Name two things mentioned in the third stanza that show how far the Earth goes. The Earth goes with “cities and gardens” and “cliffs and isles.” (Other correct answers include wheat-fields and rivers) What comforting message does the “whisper inside” the speaker deliver? The whisper inside the speaker delivers the comforting message that even though he is small, he is “more than the Earth” because he can love and think. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“The wonderful air is over me, And the wonderful wind is shaking the tree,”
a. What feeling does the speaker convey by calling the air and wind “wonderful”?
* By calling them “wonderful,” the speaker conveys a feeling of deep awe, amazement, and admiration for the simple, yet powerful and beautiful, elements of nature.
b. What does this stanza suggest about the speaker’s proximity to nature?
* This stanza suggests the speaker is very close to and immersed in nature, directly experiencing the air over them and observing the wind interacting with the tree nearby. “You friendly Earth! how far do you go, With the wheat-fields that nod and the rivers that flow,”
a. Why do you think the Earth is called “friendly” by the speaker?
* The Earth is called “friendly” because it provides sustenance (wheat-fields), life (rivers), and a home for people, suggesting a nurturing and welcoming presence rather than an intimidating one.
b. What imagery is created by “wheat-fields that nod and the rivers that flow”?
* This creates an imagery of gentle, continuous movement and life across the Earth’s surface, showing vast landscapes that are alive and vibrant, not still or barren. C. Think and answer.
The poem describes the wind as “walking on the water” and “talking to itself on the tops of the hills.” How do these descriptions give the wind a lively, almost human-like quality? These descriptions use personification, giving the wind human actions and characteristics. “Walking on the water” implies purposeful movement and grace, similar to a person. “Talking to itself” suggests a mind or consciousness, as if the wind is capable of thought or self-reflection, making it seem like a solitary, thoughtful being rather than just an invisible force. This makes the wind relatable and more vivid in the reader’s imagination. If you were the poet, what one additional “wonderful” thing about the Earth would you choose to include in your poem, and why? (Student’s answer will vary, but should include a natural element and a justification) Example Answer: If I were the poet, I would add “the wonderful sun, that gives us light and warmth each day.” I would include it because the sun is essential for all life on Earth, helps plants grow, makes the sky beautiful with sunrises and sunsets, and its warmth makes many places habitable, truly making it a wonderful and vital part of our world. The poem states, “You are more than the Earth… You can love and think.” What responsibility do these unique human abilities give us towards the Earth and its creatures? The abilities to love and think give humans a significant responsibility towards the Earth. Our capacity for thought means we can understand the consequences of our actions on the environment and develop solutions for conservation. Our ability to love means we should feel empathy and care for the planet and all its living creatures, protecting them from harm. Therefore, we have a duty to be stewards of the Earth, using our intelligence and compassion to ensure its beauty and resources are preserved for future generations. 
Answer key