Desolation Row

If Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row" were included as a poem in a 12th
standard English textbook, the expected questions might be something
like this:

A. Answer the following questions briefly: 5 x 1 = 5

1) Which color did 'they' paint the passports?

2) Who is looking out at Desolation Row along with the poet?

3) Where did Einstein keep his memories according to the poet?

4) What do the cards read?

5) Why is Casanova being punished?


B. Fill in the blanks: 4 x 1 = 4

1) And in comes Romeo, he's __________.

2) They're _______ Casanova.

3) The ________ is strapped across their shoulders and the
________ is brought down from the castles.

4) The riot squad is _________.


C. Match each of the following with its 5 x 1 = 5
corresponding answer:

1) Ezra Pound ------------ Skinny girls

2) Cinderella -------------- Einstein

3) Cain -------------------- T. S. Eliot

4) Robin Hood ------------- Bette Davis

5) Phantom of the opera --- Abel

D. Answer the following questions: 4 x 4 = 16

1) Give a short account of all the things that Einstein does or did
according to the poet.

2) What does Romeo say in the poem? Who does he say it to?
What is the warning given to Romeo by someone?

3) Describe in detail the scene on the Titanic before it sails.

4) What is the significance of the letter the poet receives
at the end of the poem?