1 of 6

As your group goes over the poem

I. Read the poem aloud while everyone in the group writes down everything that occurs to them about this poem as it is read aloud.

2 of 6

As your group goes over the poem

II. Figure out what is LITERALLY taking place in the poem. It may help to use a sheet of paper and uncover a single line at a time. But what is the STORY – what is taking place?

3 of 6

As your group goes over the poem

III. Make sure you know the meaning of words – look ‘em up (yes, turn your phones on – remember to shut them off afterwards).

4 of 6

As your group goes over the poem

IV. Once literal is understood – do you see a figurative or metaphorical meaning to the poem – either its pieces or the poem as a whole?

5 of 6

As your group goes over the poem

V. Look for cool and clever word choices – words whose meaning goes deeper (perhaps into the figurative) than seen at first glance.

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As your group goes over the poem

VI. The Past, Present, and Future: Link the poem to anything we’ve done, and keep it in mind as you read The History of Love.