Reading (into) PoetryPart I

Rising Up

Reading the poem:

a) Read a poem more than once. b) Keep a dictionary by you and use it. c) Read so as to hear the sounds of the words in your mind. Poetry is

written to be heard: its meanings are conveyed through sound as well as through print. Every word is therefore important.

d) Always pay careful attention to what the poem is saying—both explicitly and implicitly.

e) Let the imagery in the poem dictate and further meaning.f) Ask yourself the following questions:

-Who is the speaker and what is the occasion? -What is the poet’s attitude about the subject?-What is the central purpose of the poem?-By what means is the purpose of the poem achieved?

“Brown Dreams”

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhttoJwALoA– Listen to the poem paying specific attention to

the imagery Flores employs.– Consider HOW the imagery further develops

and communicates a major message/theme.

Poetic Devices

• Poets use devices to make language more colorful, and to bring images and ideas to life.

• These devices further develop the mood and message of the poem.

• There are MANY poetic devices. Today we will only focus on a few…

Metaphors and Similes

• Metaphor = A comparison between two typically “unlike” things WITHOUT the use of like or as:– My love for you is a flower in the spring. It suddenly

bloomed that day in May and I trembled with the sweet perfume of your presence.

• Simile = A comparison between two typically unlike things WITH the use of like or as:– My love for you bloomed like a flower in the spring.

Suddenly, I trembled with the sweet perfume of your presence.

Identify metaphors and similes used in “Brown Dreams”…

• What comparisons are being made and to what effect?

• Underline each and explain their possible meanings.

Allusion

• A casual reference to a famous historical, literary, mythological, biblical or cultural figure or event.

• It creates a mental image in the mind of the reader of something “outside” of the poem. The author expects the reader to make this connection.– What allusions are used in “Brown Dreams”?– Why do you think he uses these particular allusions?

In other words, what’s the effect? How does it further develop our understanding of the theme?

Theme

• The theme of a work: – is the main or central idea in a literary work.– expresses the author's opinion or raises a

question about human nature or the meaning of human experience.

– is usually not stated directly, but must be inferred.

Theme is NOT:

• expressed in a single word

• a summary of characters or events

• the conflict

Group Work

1. What is “Brown Dreams” about? What big ideas does Flores address in his poem? Brainstorm a list of FIVE (example: ).

2. Discuss what his attitude is regarding each using specific evidence from the poem to support your claims.

3. Be prepared to share one theme statement to the class.

Symbolism

• an object or action that stands for something beyond itself

Example: the American flag can = patriotism, freedom, allegiance

Example: red = anger, passion, death

Alliteration: