The Starry Night / Anne Sexton

Test Practice

Identify Author’s Purpose

With a partner, discuss how to answer these questions about an author’s purpose.

1. Read the epigraph. Why does Sexton begin with this epigraph?
a. The epigraph sets a mythical tone and makes a connection to van Gogh’s painting.
b. The epigraph shows that the poem is about religion.
c. The epigraph is only connected in that it deals with stars.
d. The epigraph shows that van Gogh felt the need to paint, which is similar to Sexton’s need to write poetry.


What is the correct answer to the question above? How did the information you gathered while reading help you eliminate the incorrect answers?

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