1a. How does the snow laugh?
2a. Where does the snow "whir away" to?
1b. How can snow seem to do this?
2b. What causes the snow to "whir"?
3a. In this poem, the snow is mainly described by its actions. List the verbs used to describe the snow's actions.
3b. How does this description show characteristics about the snow? Does it make the snow seem powerful, full of life, meek, angry, or playful? Explain your answer.
4a. How does the speaker (probably Cynthia) feel about snow? Does she like it? How do you know?
4b. If you, like Cynthia, were out in the snow, what would you do?
Onomatopoeia. Which onomatopoeias in this poem are words you could find in a dictionary? Which are more unconventional?
Alliteration. What examples of alliteration did you find in "Cynthia in the Snow"? What effect do they have on the poem?
1. The line "Still white as milk or shirts" is part of a simile about snow. A simile is a comparison using like or as. Write a new simile about snow.
2. Create onomatopoeias for the following sounds: an airplane flying overhead, a whale's call, a pencil writing, and paper tearing.
3. Write a short nonsense verse in which the words that end each line rhyme.
Writing Sentences. In the space provided, write your own sentences for each of the following words. If you're unsure of a word's meaning, look it up in a dictionary.
1. ice crystals
2. hush
3. downy
4. skim
5. transparent
6. whirs
7. seek
8. indulgence
9. hexagon
10. whiteness
Making Passive Sentences Active. A verb is active when the subject of the verb performs the action. It is passive when the subject of the verb receives the action.
Example passive: A powerful speech was delivered by Caroline. active: Caroline delivered a powerful speech.
Change the following passive sentences into active sentences.
1. A black tux was worn by Nate.
2. An entertaining story was told by Felix.
3. A huge feast was prepared by Justin.
4. The office was full of balloons for the president's birthday.
5. We were shocked by the news.
6. The cat was trapped in the tree by the dog.
7. The decision was made by the family to stay home for the evening.
8. A lengthy lecture was delivered by the teacher.
9. Medicine was taken by the sick patient.
10. The game was won by our team!
Researching the Poet: At your library, find information about Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Try to locate a biography or use the Internet to search for information about the poet's life. Look for answers to some of these questions, or make up a list of questions you would like to answer. Present your findings in class along with a list of the resources you used. • Where was Tennyson born? What was his life like as a boy? When did he begin writing? • Who was Henry Hallam? Why was he an important figure in Tennyson's life? • Who was Emily Sellwood? How did Tennyson meet her? • What besides poetry did Tennyson write? • How did Tennyson get the title "lord"? What did that title mean? Research Log. Use this log to keep track of the sources you use, the information you find, and your reactions to what you learn.
Internet sources:
Books and other print sources:
Answers to textbook questions:
