Before Reading "Song of Myself"
Make a Symbolism Chart
Read about symbols on page 365. Brainstorm things that grass could represent. Read the About the Selection paragraphs carefully to help you understand what Whitman was trying to do. This may help you interpret his symbols. Make a symbol chart like the one on page 374.
During Reading
Fill in the Chart as You Read
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first four stanzas of the poem. Find any references to grass and add them to your chart. What do you think grass symbolizes here? Write your explanation in your chart.
2. Continue reading the selection on your own. Keep adding references to grass and the meanings of these references to your chart.
Fix-Up Idea: Identify Difficulties
If you have trouble understanding certain passages in the selection, note the line numbers or mark the section with a sticky note. Then write a specific question about the passage. Try applying a different reading technique, such as using the Guided Reading Questions or unlocking difficult vocabulary. Then, if you still have questions, try talking with one or more of your classmates to try to answer these questions.
After Reading
Summarize
Share your symbol chart with a few of your classmates. Talk about why Whitman used grass as a recurring symbol.
Before Reading "O Captain! My Captain!"
Think About What You Know
Read the Literary Tools and About the Selection sections on page 366. Notice that this poem was written in memory of Abraham Lincoln. Discuss your response to the Reader's Journal question with two or three of your classmates. As you read, think about the historical significance of the poem and your own feelings about loss.
During Reading
Use What You Know
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first stanza of the poem. Who is the "captain" referred to in the title and opening stanza? What words and images refer to death?
2. Continue reading on your own. For each stanza try to answer these questions: What words and images refer to death? What is the mood? What does this stanza suggest to you about Abraham Lincoln? Use these questions to take notes on the poem.
Fix-Up Idea: Visualize
To better understand the poem, try to visualize as you read. Read a few lines and create a mind picture. Then read some more and continue making mind pictures. Try to imagine how you would feel if you were the speaker or if you were one of the people on the shore. When you are done, make some sketches or write a brief summary of what you pictured.
After Reading
Share Your Connections
With your group from the Before-Reading activity, discuss your responses to the questions you answered while reading.