Before Reading
Make a Character Chart
Review the techniques of characterization on page 765. Make a three-column character chart. Label the columns Direct Description, Portrayal of Behavior, and Representations of Internal States. What kind of character do you think Commander Lowell is? As you read, focus on how the commander is portrayed by the speaker.
During Reading
Complete Your Character Chart as You Read
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first stanza aloud. What do you learn about the speaker and his mother from this stanza? Which types of characterization are used?
2. Read the rest of the poem on your own. As you read, fill in your chart with details about Commander Lowell.
Fix-Up Idea: Read and Think Aloud
Work with a partner to think aloud about this poem. Read a few lines aloud, stopping when you come to a period. When you stop, do a think aloud with your partner. Some ideas to get you started on your think aloud include saying anything you are wondering about the characters or about what will happen, giving your reaction to or saying what you think of the characters, and comparing what you read to your own life.
After Reading
Share Your Ideas
Compare your chart with a few of your classmates. Write one or two sentences summarizing what you learned about Commander Lowell and another sentence explaining his son's feelings for him.