Lyric Poems

Learning Target Analyzing forms of poetry – Lyric Evaluating figurative language to find meaning

Take NOTES! YOU WILL NEED TO KNOW THIS! Type of Poem: Lyric A poem that expresses feelings. Does NOT tell a story. Usually short Imply strong emotions – but they don’t necessarily come out and tell you. Have meter, don’t always rhyme. Originally set to music (hence the lyrics).

Harlem Renaissance Movement that started in Harlem New York among African Americans in the 1920s. Explored the historical experiences and the contemporary experiences of black life in the urban North. Celebrated black dignity and creativity. Wanted to express themselves on their own terms, they explored their identities as black Americans, celebrating the black culture that had emerged out of slavery, as well as cultural ties to Africa.

Langston Hughes ( ) One of the most famous American poets Born in Joplin, MO and spent time living in Mexico Known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties. His life and work were enormously important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. He wanted to tell the stories of his people in ways that reflected their actual culture, including both their suffering and their love of music, laughter, and language itself

Refugee in America pg What emotions are being expressed in the poem? Give specific lines/examples for why. 2.Hughes calls himself a refugee – he’s not really a refugee, but an American citizen. What poetic element is he using? 3.Why is he calling himself a refugee? (Look up “refugee” if you don’t know what that is!) 4.What is the underlying message of this poem? (Think in terms of this being the Harlem Renaissance.) 5.What is the purpose of this poem?

Dreams By Langston Hughes Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow. Read the poem. Answer the following questions in your notes. 1.Give two reasons for why this is a lyric poem. 2.Find 2 poetic elements. Define them and describe how they’re used in the poem. 3.What is the message of this poem? 4.Compare/contrast “Dreams” with “Refugee in America”

Read the poem, then answer the questions in your notes. Love and Friendship Emily Bronte LOVE is like the wild rose-briar; Friendship like the holly-tree. The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms, But which will bloom most constantly? The wild rose-briar is sweet in spring, Its summer blossoms scent the air; Yet wait till winter comes again, And who will call the wild-briar fair? Then, scorn the silly rose-wreath now, And deck thee with holly's sheen, That, when December blights thy brow, He still may leave thy garland green. 1.Bronte says love is the wild rose-briar (a rose bush). What qualities is she giving love? 2.Bronte says friendship is the holly-tree. What qualities is she giving friendship? 3.How are love and friendship different according to Bronte? 4.Which does she say is better: love or friendship? Why? 5.Find 2 poetic elements in this poem. Describe how they are used.

Tomorrow… Be prepared to discuss “Love and Friendship” Your questions are your ticket into class.