15 Questions
What poetic device is used in the line 'The lake like cold, forbidding glass'?
Simile
What is the speaker comparing the lake to in the line 'The lake like cold, forbidding glass'?
Glass
What theme is conveyed through the imagery of green leaves turning gold and falling away?
Transition or Change
What does the speaker mean by 'winter's veil of frost'?
It signifies the arrival of winter.
What does the inability to 'ball up light' suggest about the speaker's perspective on preserving moments?
Some things cannot be preserved or captured.
What are the sounds heard at the end of the poem?
The sounds heard at the end of the poem include the chirping of crickets and the sweet call of birds.
Why does the speaker mention these sounds?
The speaker mentions these sounds to capture the essence of summer and preserve memories to revisit during colder seasons.
What is the poet's message about catching a fly?
The poet's message about catching a fly is to emphasize the act of observation and contemplation before taking action.
Decide if 'Catching a Fly' is an example of lyric or free verse poetry. What elements do you see?
'Catching a Fly' is an example of free verse poetry. The elements observed include vivid imagery, descriptive language, and a lack of strict rhyme or meter.
What does the poet do on a dark day that doesn't go their way?
Bust a move, get a groove, feet feel the ground
Why did the poet use short lines to describe the action in the poem?
To create a sense of rhythm and movement, mirroring the physical act of dancing
Fill in the blank: She plays the violin with great ________.
expression
What type of poetry describes poets' feelings about nature and seasons?
Lyric
What is the repeating pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables called?
Meter
Give an example of a simile from the provided text.
She cries like a baby
Study Notes
Poetry Analysis
-
The poem "How do I Hold Summer" is about the speaker's longing to hold onto summer and the memories associated with it as winter approaches.
-
The speaker describes the signs of summer's end, such as the sun setting sooner, the lake being cold and empty, and the leaves turning gold and falling.
-
The speaker mentions they cannot hold onto light and green grass, implying that these aspects of summer are fleeting.
-
The poem also explores the idea of storing memories of summer in a poem to read when snow begins to fall.
-
The speaker mentions specific sounds of summer, such as the cricket's chirp and the bird's sweet call, which they will store in their poem.
Sounds in the Poem
-
The sounds heard at the end of the poem are the cricket's chirp and the bird's sweet call.
-
The speaker mentions these sounds to hold onto the memories of summer and to cherish them during the winter.
"Catching a Fly" Poem
-
The poem "Catching a Fly" explores the idea of observing a fly on a China plate.
-
The poet's message is that even the smallest creatures, like a fly, can be invaders and have a sense of greed.
-
The poem is an example of free verse poetry, as it lacks a consistent rhyme and meter.
-
The poem uses imagery and metaphor to describe the fly and its actions.
"When I Dance" Poem
-
The poem "When I Dance" is about using dance as a way to express emotions and break free from negativity.
-
The poet uses short lines to describe the action in the poem, creating a sense of energy and movement.
-
The short lines may also represent the quick and energetic movements of dance.
Vocabulary and Poetry Terms
-
Barren refers to something that is empty or lacking in vegetation.
-
Lyric poetry is a type of poetry that describes the poet's feelings and emotions.
-
Alliteration is a literary device in which words that start with the same sound are repeated in close proximity.
-
Meter is a repeating pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry.
-
A stanza is a group of lines in a poem, usually separated by a blank line.
-
A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as."
Test your interpretation skills by analyzing a poem about holding onto summer memories as winter approaches. Answer questions about themes, symbols, and emotions portrayed in the poem.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
