Before Reading
Think About What You Know
Do a quickwrite about Neoclassical literature. Based on what you know about Neoclassical literature, what do you expect of this poem? Look for elements of Neoclassical literature as you read.
During Reading
Use What You Know as You Read
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first stanza aloud. What key ideas are raised? How does this stanza reflect Neoclassical ideals? Take notes that answer these questions.
2. Continue reading the selection on your own. Keep looking for and taking notes on ways the selection reflects Neoclassical ideals.
Fix-Up Idea: Reread and Summarize
Try reading the poem one stanza at a time. Stop at the end of each stanza and summarize what you have read. Talk to a partner about your summary. Do you agree on the main ideas of the stanza? If not, reread the stanza and see if you can agree.
After Reading
Summarize What You Learned
With a partner, compare the notes you took as you read. How did focusing on Neoclassical ideals help you understand the poem?