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1. In 2001, Dove was given an honorary degree from Howard University and read “Testimonial” as part of her acceptance speech.  Read the speech and poem here.  Why do you think Dove chose to read “Testimonial” at this commencement ceremony? How does it fit the event? How might graduates understand it differently in that context than if they had read it in English class?


2. Read this essay on Rita Dove's poetry. Do you agree with Kevin Stein that it is characteristic of Dove's works to have a "careful balancing of opposites,…[and] playfulness with history's multiple perspectives?" Point out examples in her poems that show this balancing and these historical perspectives.




3. This page offers an audio recording of Singapore composer and singer Vanessa Fernandez’s rendition of Dove’s poem “Testimonial.” (Scroll halfway down the page to the heading “By Rita Dove.”) How would you describe the Fernandez’s musical style? How do you think the meaning of Dove’s words change in this musical setting?