7th-- Critical Analysis Project (Poetry)

Today you will be answering the following questions in your group on a separate sheet of paper. Feel free to use your Literary Language Vocabulary Packet, the Forms of Poetry paper, and the Asking Questions worksheet that were given to you these past few days. These papers will help guide you to your answers. When you are finished, come see me so you can get started on your cover art!

Haiku

Written by: Buson

Critical Thinking

1. In the first haiku, what does the speaker warn the ducklings about?

2. How would you describe the speaker’s attitude (tone) toward the ducks? 

3. Which technique or words helped the author convey his ideas, pictures (imagery), or feelings (mood) to you most successfully?

Drawing Conclusions

1. Ask two literal questions, one for the second haiku and one for the third haiku. Answer your questions.

2. Buson values nature. Ask one interpretive question that will draw the conclusion to support this statement.

Seal

Written by: William Jay Smith

Critical Thinking

1. What form of poetry is “Seal”?

  

2. Identify 6 words that describe the movement of the seal. How would you describe the mood, or feeling, that these words create?

3. Which technique or words helped the author convey his ideas, pictures (imagery), or feelings (mood) to you most successfully?

Literary Analysis

1. Analyze the graphical elements of the poem. Why might the poet have arranged the lines of the poem this way?

2. How does word position affect the poem’s meaning?

Mother to Son

Written by: Langston Hughes

Critical Thinking

1. What qualities does the mother demonstrate through her words and actions? Why does she need those qualities?

2. How can we show admiration for others in our lives?

Drawing Conclusions

1. What details in the poem support the conclusion that life has not been easy for the mother?

Literary Analysis

1. Name at least 2 metaphors mentioned. 

2. Determine the figurative meaning: What does the staircase symbolize?

Maestro

Written by: Pat Mora

Critical Thinking

1. What word or lines in maestro show that the musician is a professional? 

2. Who is more influential to him as a musician—his audience or his family? Explain. 

3. How does the maestro communicate without words?

Drawing Conclusions

1. What type of question would you ask yourself as you read the first line of the poem? Answer your question.

Literary Analysis

1. Find two examples of repetition.