Haiku Basics

Description: Welcome to the Haiku Basics Quiz! Test your knowledge about the fundamental aspects of haiku poetry.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: haiku japanese poetry syllable count nature imagery
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What is the traditional syllable count for a haiku?

  1. 5-7-5

  2. 7-5-7

  3. 5-5-7

  4. 7-7-7


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A haiku traditionally consists of three lines, with the first line having 5 syllables, the second line having 7 syllables, and the third line having 5 syllables.

What is the main subject matter of a haiku?

  1. Love and Romance

  2. Nature and Seasons

  3. War and Conflict

  4. Philosophy and Religion


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Haiku poems typically focus on nature and the changing seasons, capturing fleeting moments of beauty and wonder.

What is the purpose of a haiku?

  1. To tell a story

  2. To express emotions

  3. To provide a moral lesson

  4. To capture a moment


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A haiku aims to capture a fleeting moment or sensation, often through vivid imagery and sensory details.

What is the significance of the 'cutting word' in a haiku?

  1. It marks the end of a line

  2. It creates a pause or break

  3. It introduces a new image

  4. It emphasizes a particular word


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The 'cutting word' (kireji) in a haiku is a word or phrase that creates a pause or break in the flow of the poem, adding emphasis or emotional impact.

Which of the following is NOT a common feature of haiku poetry?

  1. Seasonal reference

  2. Personification

  3. Rhyme scheme

  4. Metaphor


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Haiku poems do not typically employ a rhyme scheme, as they focus on capturing a moment or image rather than following a strict rhyme pattern.

What is the traditional language of haiku poetry?

  1. English

  2. Japanese

  3. Chinese

  4. Korean


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Haiku poetry originated in Japan and is traditionally written in the Japanese language.

Who is considered the master of haiku poetry?

  1. Basho

  2. Issa

  3. Buson

  4. Shiki


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Matsuo Bashō is widely regarded as the master of haiku poetry, known for his profound insights into nature and the human condition.

What is the term for a haiku that includes a reference to a season?

  1. Kireji

  2. Haibun

  3. Hokku

  4. Kigo


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Kigo is a term used to describe a word or phrase in a haiku that refers to a specific season or time of year.

What is the name given to a sequence of three haikus?

  1. Renga

  2. Haibun

  3. Tanka

  4. Senryu


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Renga is a collaborative form of poetry where multiple poets contribute alternating lines to create a sequence of linked haikus.

Which of the following is NOT a common theme in haiku poetry?

  1. Love and Romance

  2. Transience of Life

  3. Nature's Beauty

  4. Political Commentary


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Haiku poems typically focus on themes related to nature, the seasons, and the fleeting moments of life, rather than political or social commentary.

What is the term for a haiku that includes a humorous or satirical element?

  1. Haibun

  2. Hokku

  3. Senryu

  4. Tanka


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Senryu is a type of haiku that incorporates humor, satire, or social commentary, often focusing on everyday life and human foibles.

How many syllables does a haiku typically have in total?

  1. 12

  2. 15

  3. 17

  4. 20


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A traditional haiku consists of 17 syllables in total, divided into three lines of 5-7-5 syllables.

What is the term for a haiku that includes a reference to a specific place?

  1. Haibun

  2. Hokku

  3. Kigo

  4. Jisei


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Jisei is a type of haiku that includes a reference to a specific place or location, often associated with the poet's personal experiences or memories.

Which of the following is NOT a common poetic device used in haiku?

  1. Metaphor

  2. Simile

  3. Alliteration

  4. Personification


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

While haiku poems may employ various poetic devices, alliteration is not typically a prominent feature in traditional haiku.

What is the term for a haiku that includes a reference to a specific event or historical moment?

  1. Haibun

  2. Hokku

  3. Kireji

  4. Renga


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Hokku is a term sometimes used to refer to a haiku that includes a reference to a specific event or historical moment.

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