Question

Which of the following is nearest in meaning to "Putting it up to him" (line 6)?

• A. Demonstrating to him the poet's awareness of his joke
• B. Challenging him to find a bubble for himself
• C. Refusing defiantly to honor his request
• D. Handing up to him the items he had asked for
• E. Turning the joke back around on him

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Demonstrating to him the poet's awareness of his joke

There's a shift in narration here- the first four lines are said by a certain 'him' and in the last four lines the narrator is the poet. So, "But still he was glad, I know, when I stood my ground,/ Putting it up to him" - these show that the poet stood up to "him" and was aware of the "fool's errand" 'he' was sending the poet on. In this context, option A is the best answer- "putting it up to him" implies that the poet demonstrated to 'him' that the poet was aware of the joke.