Read in the Reader’s Resource on page 417 about the two poems. As you read, think about how the poems are similar and different in subject, theme, and tone.
1. Listen as your teacher reads “Sympathy” aloud. Make notes about your initial thoughts about the subject, theme, and tone. Go back and read the poem on your own. Add additional notes about the subject, theme, and tone of the poem.
2. Read “Caged Bird” on your own. Read it more than once if necessary. Make notes about the subject, theme, and tone of this poem.
Make a two-column chart. Label the left column “Sympathy.” Label the right column “Caged Bird.” As you read, write key words and phrases from each poem along with your responses in the chart. Review what you wrote. What similarities and differences do you see?
With a partner, discuss the notes you took about the two poems. Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting the two poems.