Poetry Introduction and Scavenger Hunt
Step 1: Read the poem and paraphrase each section in prose.
Paraphrase Lines 1-4
When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,5
Paraphrase Lines 5-8
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Paraphrase Lines 9-12
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,10
(Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
Paraphrase Lines 13-14
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
Step 2: Read your Poetry Notes as directed and answer the questions that follow for each page.
Read Page 1 (Poetry, Rhythm, Melody)
1.
How many syllable are in each line of this poem?
2.
Label the iambic feet in the first and second line of the poem.
3.
Why is this poem written in iambic pentameter?
4.
Identify the rhyme scheme of the poem.
5.
Does the poem use mostly feminine or masculine end rhyme?
6.
How is the word “least” in line 8 pronounced to keep the rhyme scheme consistent?
7.
Identify the alliteration in lines 11 and 12.
Read Page 2 (Imagery, Figures of Speech, Poetic License)
8.
Annotate the poem for as many Figures of Speech as possible.
9.
Does the poet make use of Poetic License?
Read Page 3 (Syntax, Diction)
10. What type of sentences are used in this poem?
11. What type of diction is used in this poem?
Read Page 4 (Form, Quoting from a Poem)
12. Based on the rhyme scheme, what type of stanzas are used in this poem?
13. Based on the rhyme scheme and stanzas, what type of poem is this?
14. What is the difference between a fixed poem and a free poem?
15. Is this a fixed poem or a free poem? Why?
16. How can this poem be classified? If you choose Lyric, be specific on the type of lyric poem.
Read Page 5 (Miscellaneous Terminology, Poetry Time Periods)
17. Who do you think is the author of this poem? Why?
18. The poem is written in a problem/solution format. Explain.
19. How does the poet use the “lark” as a symbol in the poem?
20. What type of love is being addressed in this poem (intimate, platonic, parental)? How do you know?
21. What is a theme of the poem?