Extended Metaphor /Sunflower Activity -2013
A metaphor is a comparison of two unlike things which does not use “like” or “as.” For example, “Time is money” is a metaphor comparing the abstract idea of “time” to the concrete image of “money” in order to stress time’s importance. Read the following two poems. Please pay attention to the structure (sentence 1: abstract noun = concrete noun with a short explanation/ sentence 2 : “It is” plus another concrete noun).
“LOYALTY” - Megan Trahan
Loyalty is the floppy-eared puppy that waits in the window for her master to return.
It is a hand that pulls a person back to his feet and it’s the eye that sees beyond the obvious and beyond the faults.
Loyalty is a friend and companion; it is a pet and a buddy.
It’s the flower that stays open while the others close, and the bird that keeps singing long after nightfall.
Loyalty is the voice that scares the monsters out from under the bed.
It’s the person with a white and maroon face in the stands cheering for his team even though the score is
fifty-seven to nothing.
It is the Band-Aid that heals the deepest wound.
Loyalty is a ring on a left-hand finger, a vow in a church, and a meaningful kiss.
It is the bold Purple Heart pinned on the veteran’s chest.
Loyalty is a pack of wolves and a group of yaks.
“Graduation” - Anonymous
Graduation is the ribbon for the marathon runner.
It is a camera with a flash.
Graduation is the touchdown in football.
It is the fork in a winding road that leads to a special destination.
Graduation is the grand finale.
It is the trophy of a dance competition.
Graduation is the child riding a bike without training wheels.
It is the location finally reached after a long plane ride.
Graduation is the rainbow after the rain.
It is the period at the end of the sentence.
Now you will create your own poem describing an abstract idea.
Instructions:
1. Choose one of the following abstract ideas: Freedom, Innovation, Respect, Excellence, Integrity, Responsibility, Graduation, Education, or Senioritis. (Or choose one of your own and have it approved by me.)
2. Then compose a metaphor poem for your abstract idea.
3. Each line of your individual poem should begin with the same syntactical structure (Parallelism).
“Loyalty is…” / “It is…” See the examples above and follow the pattern!
4. The poem should be ten lines.
5. Use elaboration techniques (such as vivid imagery, detail, adjectives etc.) to describe the concrete images.
6. The poem should be typed, at least 12 point font in size. (Two copies: one on sunflower another for teacher.)
7. Take pride in your work for it will be published.
8. Make sure you use concrete nouns that are completely different from the abstract nouns.
Right: Love is a rose that sometimes shows its thorns.
Wrong: Love is holding hands on cold winter nights.
Sunflower Project
Guidelines:
1.Using the provided template, trace the sunflower shapes onto construction paper/poster board.
Total pieces for final project: 2 circles,5 long pointed petals, 5 short pointed petals, 5 long blunt petals and
5 short blunt petals (see template)
2. Cut out and assemble your sunflower.
- Sandwich the petals between the two circles. Space and layer the petals to achieve a uniform, attractive look.
- Decorate one side of one of your sunflower with pictures, images, decorations, and embellishments that represent YOU! (minimum: 7 items)
- Use magazine cutouts, clipart, words, pictures, stamps, stickers, decorative papers, stencils—BE CREATIVE!
- The metaphor poem goes in the middle of the other side. Decorate this side as well, but use items related to your poem. (minimum: 7 items).
On Presentation Date:
Present your sunflower to the class by showing them both sides and explaining some of your best work. Reading one line of your poem and talking about 3 items that represent you will suffice.
The completed project is due at the beginning of class on Friday, 8/30. In addition to the sunflower poster, you must bring an additional typed copy of just your poem to turn in to your teacher for grading.
Name: Period: ______
Metaphor Activity
Rubric Criteria for poem:
Minimum 10 lines using strong, correctly structured metaphors 80pts. ______
Vividly elaborated concrete images 40pts.
Each line begins with the same syntactical structure 40pts. ______
Uses correct syntax and grammatical conventions 20pts. ______
Typed (2 copies) 20pts. ______
***Creativity - Extra credit Add up to 5 extra points ______
TOTAL SCORE______
Rubric for sunflower:
Completeness 50 points ______
Appearance 20 points______
Rubric for presentation:
Student worked diligently in class 10 points______
Student presented the work 20 points______
TOTAL SCORE______