Analyzing Rhythm
and Meaning
and Meaning
Who wrote the poem, "Dear Basketball," and what is the theme of the poem?
-achieving childhood dreams (or similar)
What was Langston Hughes the leading poet of?
The Harlem Renaissance
Walt Whitman is considered to America's what?
World Poet
Maya Angelou's poetry is a testament to the power of:
Possible answers:
-the human spirit
-the beauty of self-acceptance
-the enduring pursuit of justice and equality
Edgar Allan Poe received a small measure of success during his lifetime due to?
"The Raven"
What is a turn in poetry? How does it affect meaning?
- a turn is a significant shift in the meaning of the poem that leads the reader in an unexpected direction
-use of a turn can cause the context of the poem to go from something funny to profound
In "Harlem," the idea of a dream being delayed is compared to...
-name at least two things
varies
What is the name of Walt Whitman's monumental work?
Leaves of Grass
Maya Angelou's distinctive rhythm is inspired by:
the African American oral tradition and jazz music
Edgar Allan Poe is considered the father of what?
detective fiction
What is a common mistake students make in understanding a poem's rhythm and meaning?
Not reading it out loud
I, too is a poem about equality. What message is the speaker conveying?
that everyone is worthy of equality and that one day when society realizes this, they will regret not always treating everyone the same.
What themes does "Leaves of Grass" explore?
varies
The metaphor of a caged bird represents what?
-the experience of racial oppression
-the struggle for freedom
"The Raven" explores the theme of?
loss/grief
How can a poem's rhythm aid understanding of the poem?
Possible answers:
-it can be smooth (i.e. showing peace)
-it can be choppy (i.e. showing indecisiveness)
-varied similar answers
Theme for English B explores a speaker's life experience and place in the world in comparison to the life of their teacher. What message is the speaker conveying, and how does the rhythm of the poem contribute to this meaning?
-even though they are different, they have similar desires (or a similar answer)
-it shows moments of question and of clarity (or a similar answer)
How can different perspectives influence the meaning a of poem?
(i.e. "A Noiseless Patient Spider")
everyone brings their own life experiences to the things that they read and interpret them through individual lenses
"Still I Rise" addresses the refusal to be...
defined by the opinion of others.
(or something similar)
Name one of four sound devices used in "The Raven" and explain how it contributes to the meaning of the poem.
answer varies
Stressed and unstressed syllables create what in a poem?
rhythm
Langston Hughe's poetical contributions to The Harlem Renaissance are significant to the point that his childhood home was made a what?
New York City Historical Landmark
In "Leaves of Grass," what is Walt Whitman celebrating?
The circle of life
Maya Angelou's poetry explores themes of:
*hint: there are three
1. identity
2. resilience
3. the human experience
How does the phrase "Nevermore" affect the speaker's frame of mind?
it drives him insane