1. THANATOPSIS “Thanatos” = death / personifcation of death
“Opsis” = way of seeing
Thanatopsis = a way of looking at death

2. Find a partner or two
Someone you can WORK with, please…

3. Lines 1-17 Who is the speaker? Audience?
What literary device is used in lines 4-8?
What is the tone? (see handout for ideas)
What images of death are included?
Summarize briefly the first stanza through the words “Comes a still voice”

4. Share at your table groups for a minute
Share at your table groups for a minute. Check your summaries, and fix if needed.
I’ll call on you…

5. In partners again: Lines 17-57
Has the tone changed? Identify some tone words.
According to lines 25-26, what happens when you die?
In lines 31-37, what response is offered to those who fear the solitude and indignity of death?
Explain the literary device used in lines
Summarize briefly

6. Share out

7. In partners Line 58-72
In lines 55-66, what particular human fear is being addressed? What comfort does Bryant offer?
Summarize

8. Last stanza!
Who is the speaker?
What is the tone?
Summarize

9. WHOLE POEM What makes this romantic literature?
What’s the message? Theme?