Before reading the poem and responding to the questions below ...
Before reading the poem and responding to the questions below ...
Before reading the poem and responding to the questions below ...
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
World Lit I<br />
Poetry: “Serene Words” – Gabriela Mistral<br />
Name(s): _________________________<br />
________________________________<br />
<strong>Before</strong> <strong>reading</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>poem</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>responding</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>questions</strong> <strong>below</strong>, read <strong>the</strong><br />
biographical information in your textbook (p558) about <strong>the</strong> poet, Gabriela<br />
Mistral, <strong>and</strong> fill in <strong>the</strong> ‘author information’ in your South American<br />
Literature unit worksheet packet.<br />
After <strong>reading</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>poem</strong>, “Serene Words”, on page 559, discuss <strong>the</strong> ideas<br />
<strong>below</strong> <strong>and</strong> respond <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> following <strong>questions</strong>.<br />
1. What do <strong>the</strong> following words mean?<br />
Serene:<br />
Glean:<br />
Gall:<br />
Turmoil:<br />
2. Find two examples of METAPHOR <strong>and</strong> PERSONIFICATION from <strong>the</strong> <strong>poem</strong>:<br />
(1) Metaphor:<br />
(2) Metaphor:<br />
(1) Personification:<br />
(2) Personification:<br />
3. To what does <strong>the</strong> speaker compare life? (There are many things, but <strong>the</strong>y all fall in<strong>to</strong> one broad<br />
category.)<br />
4. What things mentioned in <strong>the</strong> <strong>poem</strong> contribute <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> hardship of life?<br />
5. What things mentioned in <strong>the</strong> <strong>poem</strong> give <strong>the</strong> speaker comfort, emotional support, or<br />
contribute <strong>to</strong> a calm <strong>and</strong> peaceful life experience?
6. How old is <strong>the</strong> speaker in this <strong>poem</strong>?<br />
7. To what extent, if any, does <strong>the</strong> speaker’s age affect his/her feelings? How might <strong>the</strong> speaker’s<br />
point of view be different if he/she were a child? …or a senior citizen?<br />
8. What is <strong>the</strong> THEME of <strong>the</strong> <strong>poem</strong>? In o<strong>the</strong>r words, what is <strong>the</strong> speaker’s attitude <strong>to</strong>ward life?<br />
(Use evidence/examples from <strong>the</strong> <strong>poem</strong> <strong>to</strong> explain your answer.)<br />
9. How does Mistral’s use of this CONTRAST in this <strong>poem</strong> impact <strong>the</strong> <strong>poem</strong>’s THEME or<br />
meaning? (Hint: See question 3 <strong>and</strong> 4 above for examples of contrasting elements.)<br />
10. Individual Reflection: Who or what gives you comfort when you need it, for example, a<br />
particular person, music, <strong>reading</strong>, exercise, or a pet? How does this person/thing/activity<br />
influence <strong>and</strong> help shape your outlook on life?