“Mystery and Meaning” for “The Scarlet Ibis” Name ___________________
1. What is a symbol?
_________________________________________________
2. Jot down five (5) symbols and record their symbolic significance:
a. ______________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________________
d. ______________________________________________________________
e. ______________________________________________________________
3. What is a scarlet ibis? Provide a 2-3 sentence description of this bird.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
4. Describe the environment in which the scarlet ibis lives.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
5. How is the environment important to the bird’s survival?
________________________________________________________________
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6. In the poem, “The First Lesson”, the father is giving his daughter advice not only about
floating but also advice about ________________________________.
7. Provide a brief explanation for your choice of symbolism.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
our aFirst Lesson
Lie back daughter; let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A deadman's float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.
Philip Booth
nalysis to your teacher.
"First Lesson" by Philip Booth
Lie back, daughter, let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A deadman's - float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
Lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.
Let's see if you can unlock the "mystery" and find the "meaning" in the following poem:
1.
2.
3.
4.
line or highlight specific clues that will aid in identifying the symbol.
Identify the symbol.
Provide a brief explanation or justification for your choice.
Submit your analysis to your teacher.
"First Lesson" by Philip Booth
Lie back, daughter, let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A deadman's - float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
Lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.