Analyze Figurative Language in a Poem
Write an essay in which you analyze the figurative
language in a poem from this unit.
- State which poem you chose, and explain why you chose it.
- Identify a key metaphor, simile, or other example
of figurative language in the poem. Explain why this figurative language is important to the poem's meaning.
- Analyze the meaning of the figurative language.
Explain your analysis clearly.
- Explain how the figurative language contributes to the tone of the poem. For example, explain how the poet's word choices build or maintain a sense
of formality or informality. Cite details to support your ideas.
- Edit your essay for correct punctuation and spelling.
Your assignment should be 1-2 pages in length. Make sure to save your assignment as a Word (.doc) document.
I Hear?America
Singing
Walt Whitman
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear, Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong, The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam, The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck, The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands, The wood-cutter's song, the ploughboy's on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown, The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing, Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else, The day what belongs to the day-at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly, Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.