Blizzard Bag #1American Literaturetab: Literature Due Date: Monday, March 9, 2015

Blizzard Bag #1American LiteratureTAB: Literature Due date: Monday, March 9, 2015

“Before I Got My Eye Put Out”

What you will do and why:

1. Watch the video on the poetry of Emily Dickinson by author John Green.

2. Answer the questions on the next page as you watch.

3. Find another Dickinson poem that we have not previously read in class.

a. Read it at least twice.

b. Think about it – REALLY! Think about it.

c. Write a brief (3-4 sentences) interpretation of the poem.

4. On or before March 9 turn in the questions on the next page, a copy of the poem you are analyzing and interpreting and your interpretation (written legibly or typed).

You may submit your assignment to my email: with the subject line:

AL – Blizzard Bag #1

*Note: links to the video and a website to find poems by Dickinson are available on my web page.

The purpose of this is to further your understanding of Dickinson’s poetry and to improve your interpretive skills.

Accessing the video:

The link to the video is on my web page in the Blizzard Bag #1 folder.

It is a YouTube video, so if you are unable to access it at school, let me know and I will email it to you in MP4 format.

Another option is to make an appointment with me and I will override the filter for you to watch the video in my room. I am available every day 7 a.m. to 8:30 (including my conference time); 6th period lunch and after school until 3:30.

Finding a poem:

There is also link to the Poetry Foundation in the Blizzard Bag #1 folder.

Again if you do not have internet or email access, make an appointment with me. I have a complete collection of Dickinson poetry and will make a copy for you.

Student Name: ______

Questions on video

1. Green says that Dickinson’s poetry deals with three main topics:

A. ______and ______

B. ______and ______

C. ______and ______

2. Complete this Joyce Carol Oates quote about Dickinson.

“The most paradoxical of poets: the ______poet of ______.”

3. Green talks about “seeing” in Dickinson and provides some synonyms (meanings) that could be applied. What are two that he gives?

______and ______

4. Green also says that “seeing is the ______expression of ______

5. What does the color white represent for Dickinson? ______

6. What is the name of the poem Green analyzes for us?

______

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO GREEN FOR THESE NEXT QUESTIONS!

7. What does “king” refer to? ______

8. Green says that this poem is written in iambic ______meter alternating with ______(hint: two different feet or line lengths)

9. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? ______

10. Green says the poem give the reader two things: ______and ______.

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