"Introduction to Poetry"
The poem's first line says, "I ask them to take a poem". Who are "I" and "them" referring to?
"I" (the speaker) = teacher/poet
"Them" = students/readers of poetry
List the rhyme scheme for these lines:
I love bright words, words up and singing early;
Words that are luminous in the dark, and sing;
Warm lazy words, white cattle under trees;
I love words opalescent, cool, and pearly,
Like midsummer moths, and honied words like bees,
Gilded and sticky, with a little sting.
CDECED
The lines below contain this kind of rhyme:
rise up and hear the bells;
...for you the bugle trills
Slant rhyme
True or False: the poem's speaker is at first reluctant to wear the socks.
True.
The speaker says his feet seemed "unacceptable" and then expresses he felt "temptation" to save (and not wear) the socks.
Personification
"Introduction to Poetry" emphasizes poetry is to be enjoyed, not just _________.
Analyzed
The line "dappled, deep-eyed deer in herds" is an example of this poetic device.
Consonance
(alliteration only looks at the beginning of words; consonance looks at every repeated consonant sound anywhere in the word)
The line "for you the flag is flung" is an example of this poetic device.
Alliteration
When the speaker says, "I slipped my feet / into them / as though into / two / cases / knitted / with threads / of / twilight," he is using this poetic device.
Simile (comparing the socks to "threads / of / twilight" using "as")
The lines below contain this kind of rhyme:
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
End rhyme
(rhymes at the end of lines)
In the line "I want them to waterski / across the surface of a poem" (9-10), a poem is compared to this thing.
A body of water (lake/sea/ocean)
Mood
The line below contains this kind of rhyme:
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting
Internal rhyme.
(rhymes occurring within a line)
The third (last) stanza of the poem begins with a ______, also known as the poem's lesson.
Moral
The poem has seven pairs of end rhymes, also known as this poetic device.
Couplets
Which of the following is NOT a theme for this poem?
A) People should never analyze a poem for a right answer.
B) Poetry offers enjoyment beyond what analysis offers.
C) Analysis and Enjoyment of poetry does not come from seeking right answers.
D) Poetry is meant to be explored and enjoyed, not just analyzed.
A. "People should never analyze a poem for a right answer" includes words like "should" and "never" which means it cannot be a statement of theme.
Which of the following is NOT a theme for this poem?
A) Poets play with words as if they are animals/pets.
B) Words have different feelings and personalities.
C) Read poetry for its beauty.
D) Enjoying poetry includes playing with language.
C. "Read poetry for its beauty" is stated as an instruction, which means it cannot be a theme statement.
Which is a possible theme for "O Captain! My Captain!"?
A) Ships are very cool.
B) Great leaders deserve reverence and respect.
C) You should always cry for the dead.
D) Abraham Lincoln was a U.S. President
CORRECT ANSWER:
B) Great leaders deserve reverence and respect.
Reasons the others do not work as themes:
A) an idea not present in the poem itself
C) Themes should not: use second person, include instruction, do not include words like "always" or "should", etc.
D) A fact, not a universal idea conveyed by the poem.
Which of the following is a possible theme for this poem?
A) Use precious things, especially if they bring comfort.
B) Precious things bring more comfort and joy if used.
C) Even mundane things can be beautiful and bring you joy.
B) Even though two socks are precious, they should be used anyway.
Correct answer: B
Why the other answers are incorrect:
A) stated as instruction/advice
C) uses "you"
D) too specific; themes are statements with universal application
Which of the following is a possible theme for this poem?
A) Life has more meaning when you take time to appreciate nature.
B) Enjoying nature.
C) People benefit when they stop and smell the roses.
D) Life is enriched when people take time to enjoy nature.
Why the other responses are incorrect:
A) contains "you" - Theme statements cannot address second person.
B) is a topic, not a theme statement (which must be a full sentence)
C) contains a cliche ("stop and smell the roses" = common saying)
Tone
Words are compared to animals throughout the poem, which may be considered an example of this device.
Conceit / extended metaphor
"O Captain! My Captain!" is a poem written in lamentation for the dead, also known as an _____.
Elegy
The purpose of an ode is to ________.
Celebrate/praise someone or something.
"Leisure" begins and ends with a questions, which is an example of this poetic device.
Hypophora