Wiki Page, ELA 10A - Heintschel - Tri 1: Thu 10.14 - Fri 10.15: "Wild Geese" Comprehension, Analysis, Interpretation

Wiki Page
2021-10-14T14:48:29-07:00

We read the poem, "Wild Geese," by Mary Oliver today. 3 times...

We have three purpose for our work today and tomorrow:

1. To read and understand a poem

2. so that we can later analyze and interpret its meaning

3. so that we can later write about the "meaning" of the poem

Notice that all of these purpose build on one another and they reflect our reading and writing cycle!

Here is the poem, "Wild Geese" by Mary Oliver

The first reading

our purpose is to get familiar with the poem, because we haven't read it before

after reading, we circle unfamiliar words, we look them up, and then we write a brief definition in the margin

The second reading

now that we are familiar, some new details may stand out in our awareness

after reading, we draw boxes around imagery

Imagery = words, phrases, lines that appeal to any of the five senses (most often sight, touch/feeling, and sound, but also taste and smell)

The third reading

now that more details are standing out, we should get a more complete picture

after reading, we see if there is any new imagery to annotate

we also look for patterns:

repeated words, phrases, lines (underline them)

can we divide the poem into sections (lines that go together for some reason) - use brackets to mark the sections

Here are some examples of how to do the annotations mentioned in the three readings above!

Sample annotations.

FRIDAY, OCT 15:

Once we complete the steps above, we should have a good understanding of the content of the poem.

Now we begin to analyze (break-down) and interpret (make meaning):

Action: Next to each image that we drew a box around, we will list feelings that we associate (connect) with that image.

You need to use the words in the text to bring the image to life in your mind, and then think about the feelings you associate with the image and write those words in the margin next to the images.

Then, you are ready to think about the Interpretive Question:

What is the message of Mary Oliver's, "Wild Geese"?

Speak with a small group of your peers about the interpretive question.

Make a list of every possible answer you can think of.

Do not judge them yet, just make a list of as many ideas as you can in the time given.

Write a statement about what you think is the message of the poem.

In "Wild Geese," Mary Oliver sends the message that...

In "Wild Geese," Mary Oliver suggests that...

Write your statement on your paper, and mark it so that I know it is your statement.

Turn your paper in to the tray on the table in front of my desk!

Next week, I will be out for a 3-day training, and you will be doing these same activities with a new poem

Use today and tomorrow to get the process down, because you will be responsible for doing this without my support next week.

I will give you five poems to choose from

You can work on your own or with one partner

You may use this page as a guide/reminder to support you