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1. What makes this poem a testimonial? Which of the three online definitions do you think pertains to this testimonial? What exactly is the speaker testifying for?


2. Give at least two examples of alliteration in “Testimonial.” What affect does it have on the sound of the poem? Rewrite those alliterative phrases using synonyms that do not start with the same sound. Then compare Dove’s version with your own.  Which is better and why?


3. Read the poem out loud.  Then listen to Rita Dove read it on this American Public Radio Thanksgiving program. (Approximately 20 minutes into the program.) Describe Dove’s reading voice. Does her tone reading the poem match the tone of the poem when you read it aloud? How does a reader’s style affect the meaning of the poem?