MAKING CONNECTIONS
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LESSON
ood readers always make connections when they read. As you
read the next two poems, think about your own responses as well
as the connections that exist between what you are reading, what you
have experienced, and other works you have read. Use the Response
Notes column to record any connections you make as you read these
poems.
Poem #919
by Emily Dickinson
If I can stop one Heart from breaking
I shall not live in vain
If I can ease one Life the Aching
Or cool one Pain
Response
Notes
Or help one fainting Robin
Unto his Nest again
I shall not live in Vain. p
Poem #435
by Emily Dickinson
Much Madness is divinest Sense—
To a discerning Eye—
Much Sense—the starkest Madness—
‘Tis the Majority
In this, as All, prevail—
Assent—and you are sane—
Demur—you’re straightway dangerous—
And handled with a Chain— p
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•
Discuss these poems with a partner or in a small group. Talk
about any difficulties you have in understanding them. Then
talk about the connections you made to these two poems.
IMPRESSIONS OF DICKINSON’S POETRY SO FAR
•
Using your own responses as well as what you learned from your
discussions, complete the ten sentences on page 90 with what
you know about Dickinson’s poetry.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
89
1
Emily Dickinson writes about
2
Dickinson’s poems make me feel
3
I had the strongest reaction to
4
Much of Dickinson’s imagery is taken from
5
The strongest image for me is
6
I didn’t understand
7
What I wonder about is
8
The poet used some words I didn’t know. I wonder what
means.
9
Dickinson’s use of rhyme is
10
•
Of these four poems, the poem I like best is
because
Making and sharing
personal connections to the
words and ideas of poems helps
us understand the meaning.
90
LESSON 27
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In your group, compare your responses to the statements. List
any questions you have about Dickinson’s poems.