"The Tropics in New York" by Claude McKay Ripe green bananas and ginger root.

Cocoa pods and crocodile pears,

And tangerines and mangoes and grapes

Eligible for top prize at parish fairs.

5 Located in the window, bringing back memories

Of fruit trees laden with streams that sing low,

And dewy sunrises and mystical blue skies

In blessing on hills like nuns.

10 My eyes were darkened and I could no longer look;

A wave of longing ran through my body,

And hungry for the old familiar ways

I turned to the side, bowed my head, and cried.

26. Identify the setting of the poem.

a.  Jamaica b.  Saint Thomas c.  New York d.  London

27. What tone is expressed in the poem, especially in verses 11-13?

a.  nostalgia b.  happiness c.  anger d.  surprise

28. Identify the rhyme scheme of the first verse.

a.  aabb b.  abab c.  aaab d.  abba

29. What does this line “Fit for Highest Prize at Parish Fairs” suggest?  (l.4)

a.  Only select fruits are brought to these parish fairs.

B. The fruits are of such quality that they could deserve the best prizes.

C. Parish fairs only award prizes for the best fruits.

D. People were proud of the fruits they brought to the parish fairs.

30. Why did the speaker say "I looked away and cried"?  (l. 13)

a.  He is simply an overtly emotional person.

B. he is haunted by the sad memory of people carrying fruit on the streets.

C. He is overwhelmed by longing for the familiar sights and sounds of his homeland.

D. He feels that the people who bear the fruits lead a very unhappy lifestyle.

31. How would you describe the general tone / attitude of the speaker in the poem?

a.  Happy B. Melancholy c.  Indifferent d.  Nostalgic

32. Which of the following lines in the poem supports the speaker's tone / attitude?

a.  "Ripe or green bananas and ginger root" (l.1)

B. "From fruit trees laden by low singing streams."  (l.6)

C. "In blessing on mountains like nuns" (l.9)

D. "And hungry for old family customs" (l. 12)