American Poetry (2020)

Lesson 10
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ELA

Unit 11

7th Grade

Lesson 10 of 18

Objective


Identify and analyze the use of onomatopoeia in “The Suicide.”

Readings and Materials


  • Poem: “The Suicide” by James Weldon Johnson 

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which two pieces of diction show onomatopoeia?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

What effect does onomatopoeia have on the reader at the end of the poem? Explain your answer. Make sure to explain how the poem would be different if the poet just told you literally what happened. 

Key Questions


  • Identify the personification. What is getting personified? Why? 
  • Label the onomatopoeia. What is its purpose? 
  • Why does the poet end with onomatopoeia? 

    1. It creates a more vivid picture and stirs emotion.
    2. It exaggerates the meaning.
    3. It compares two unlike things.
    4. It makes an allusion to help the reader understand.
  • How does the poem end? Is it an effective use of onomatopoeia?

Common Core Standards


  • RL.7.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.

Next

Explain the purpose of a staggered line structure in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” 

Lesson 11
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