Descriptive Narrative Poetry “Something Told the Wild Geese” by Rachel Field

Meet the Poet: Rachel Field September 19, 1894 – March 15, 1942

Meet the Poet: Rachel Field Born on September 19, 1894 in New York City. Grew up in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Went to Radcliffe College. Wrote plays, adult fiction, and poetry. Won the Newbery Award (1930) for Hitty, Her First Hundred Years and the National Book Award (1935).

Meet the Poet: Rachel Field She and her husband collaborated on writing projects. Several of her plays were turned into films. Eventually, she moved to Hollywood with her husband and two children.

Meet the Poet: Rachel Field Spent a great deal of time in Maine, a place that inspired much of her writing. Died at age 47 of pneumonia.

Descriptive Poem Describes: A person, place, or thing - real or imaginary. An experience. A feeling. A natural occurrence.

Descriptive Poetry Produces vivid mental imagery. Engages the mind. Seeks to be understood through a closer look. Stirs deeper feelings and connections to the subject. Leaves the reader with something to think about.

Narrative Poem A narrative poem tells a story. (Wonders Reading-Writing Workshop, page 466) It includes story elements: Characters. Setting. Sequence of Events.

Descriptive Narrative Poetry Tells a story with characters, setting, and a sequence of events. Describes something with memorable details.

Something Told the Wild Geese by Rachel Field

Student Learning Goal for Reading Today we will determine the meaning of words and phrases in the poem, “Something Told the Wild Geese,” by distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.

Nonliteral or Figurative Language Nonliteral language is not actually true; it is a creative way of speaking and writing. It is also called figurative language. “Words can mean something on one level literally, but can mean something else on another level figuratively.” (poet Georgia Heard)

Literal and Figurative Language Chart Literal Words - Facts Nonliteral Words Figurative Language