Lyric Poem. A lyric poem is verse that reveals the emotions of a speaker. Lyric poems are often contrasted with narrative poems, which have telling a story as their main purpose. Lyric poems often have songlike qualities. Traditionally, such poems were sung to the music of a lyre (ancient harp). What songlike qualities does “Under the Apple Tree” have?
Figure of Speech. A figure of speech is a statement or phrase that has more than a straightforward, literal meaning. Metaphor, simile, and personification are all figures of speech. In a metaphor, one thing is written about as if it were another, inviting the reader to make a comparison between the two things. A simile is a comparison using like or as. Personification describes something not human as if it were human. Try to identify the figures of speech used in “Under the Apple Tree.” Use the graphic organizer below to keep track of the figures of speech you find.
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• Science Connection. Apple trees belong to the rosaceae, or rose, family. In spring, white flowers that look like tiny roses appear. The flowers are pollinated by birds and insects, causing seeds to grow. The seeds grow into apples in about 140 to 170 days. Apples, like pears, are pomes—fleshy fruits consisting of an outer thickened fleshy layer and a central core with five or more seeds. A healthy apple tree can produce more than 800 pounds of fruit per year.
• In many literary works, the writer creates a microcosm, or “little world.” Examples of microcosms in the larger world include dollhouses and aquariums. In literature, a microcosm can represent an author’s view of life in the larger world.
Make a Y-shaped grid like this one on your paper. Label the three wedges with M, S, and P, for each of the figures of speech defined above. Write examples of each in the corresponding spaces.
What is your favorite place to be alone? Explain your answer.
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