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Sec 1 Literature - Poetry Close Reading

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Last updated almost 3 years ago
9 questions
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This lesson helps students learn how to read a poem closely and examine the poet’s use of words and images in order to lead them to a holistic understanding of the themes in the poem. It makes close reference to a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, "The Eagle".
Question 1
1.

Question 2
2.

Question 3
3.

Identify the simile in the poem

Question 4
4.

Identify the personification in the poem

Question 5
5.
As we study English literature, it is important to learn how to read poems closely. By examining the poet’s use of words and images, we can unlock the deeper meanings and themes in a poem. For example, let us consider the poem "The Eagle" by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
As we continue to read and study other poems in English literature, let us remember to read closely and examine every word and image. Only then can we truly understand the themes and deeper meanings within a poem.
Question 6
6.
The first three lines describe the eagle's majestic perch on a __________, high above the world. The poet uses the image of the eagle's __________ to suggest both strength and vulnerability.
Question 7
7.
Next, the poet describes the eagle's view of the world below. The _____________________ represents the chaos of life, and the eagle stands apart from it on his ___________________ . The poet uses the image of the eagle watching from to suggest a sense of detachment and aloofness.
Other Answer Choices:
the wrinkled sea
mountain walls
Question 8
8.
Finally, the poet ends with a powerful image of the eagle's descent. Like a thunderbolt, the eagle falls from his perch, suggesting ______________________ . By examining each of these images closely, we can understand the themes in the poem: the tension between ______________________ and ______________________ , the sense of detachment from the chaos of life, and the idea of power and speed.
Other Answer Choices:
power and speed
vulnerability
strength
Question 9
9.

Why does the writer describe the eagle as being “close to the sun” (line 2)? Select all that apply.
The writer is getting the readers to visualise how high up in the sky the eagle appears to be.
The writer is emphasising that the eagle is physically very near the sun.
The writer is conveying the power of the eagle, through association with the sun.
How does the writer demonstrate that the eagle is very comfortable in the setting of the poem? Select all that apply.
The world of the eagle is described as being “azure”
The eagle rests easily on the crag, “clasping” it, not gripping or grabbing it.
The eagle appears to own the mountain ranges, as seen in the words, “his mountain walls”.
He clasps the crag with crooked hands
Close to the sun in lonely lands
Ring'd with the azure world he stands
The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls
He watches from his mountain walls
And like a thunderbolt he falls
Personification
Simile
Imagery
Metaphor
Classify the tone and mood words used by Tennyson into groups.
loneliness, power
awe, admiration
Tone
Mood