American Poetry (2020)

Lesson 16
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ELA

Unit 11

7th Grade

Lesson 16 of 18

Objective


Explain how the author uses metaphor to develop the theme.

Readings and Materials


  • Poem: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost 

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does the author use the metaphor of the yellow wood to develop his theme? Make sure to explain what two things are being contrasted. Answer in at least five to seven complete sentences using details from the text. 

Key Questions


  • Why does the author use words “diverged” and “long I stood”? 
    1. To highlight the speaker’s internal conflict
    2. To suggest the resolution of the speaker’s conflict
    3. To describe the speaker’s melancholy thoughts
    4. To set a placid mood
  • What is the speaker’s internal conflict? How does the poet organize the poem?
  • Reread stanza 3. Does he take the first or second road? 
  • How was the second path different from the first one? Which words tell you that? 
  • What is the yellow wood a metaphor for? Explain what two things are being compared.
  • Review: Choose the best example of imagery below. 
    1. “And both that morning equally lay” 
    2. “In leaves no step had trodden black.” 
    3. “Oh, I kept the first for another day!” 
    4. “Yet knowing how way leads on to way,” 

Notes


One possible and personal way to start this lesson is to have students describe a time they have had to make a hard decision in life. Ask them, "Which road did you take? Explain."

Common Core Standards


  • RL.7.2 — Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
  • 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

Write a personal poem using imagery, figurative language, allusion, and theme. 

Lesson 17
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