Before Reading Ozymandias
Think About What You Know
Carefully read the first paragraph of the About the Selections section on page 711. What do you learn about Ozymandias? What did he accomplish? What kind of person do you think he was? What was his attitude about his power? Keep these ideas about Ozymandias in mind as you read the poem.
During Reading
Use What You Know as You Read
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first eight lines of the poem aloud. What do you learn about the person depicted in the statue? How does this image fit with your ideas about Ozymandias?
2. Continue reading the selection on your own. Keep in mind your image of Ozymandias and your ideas about power. What happened to Ozymandias? What happened to his statue?
Fix-Up Idea: Refocus on Irony
Irony of situation occurs when an event violates the expectations of a character. What does Ozymandias say according to the inscription on the base of the statue? What did he expect? What has actually happened?
After Reading
Summarize What You Learned
With a partner, discuss the following questions: What was Ozymandias like? What did he think of himself? What happened to him? What happened to his statue? What is Shelley saying about the nature of power?
Before Reading Ode to the West Wind
Begin to Make Mind Pictures
Preview the selection by reading the About the Selection on page 711, thinking about the title, and examining the art on page 715. Begin to make pictures in your mind of what the selection will be about.
During Reading
Keep Making Mind Pictures as You Read
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first section aloud. Picture what the speaker describes and imagine that you are experiencing what the speaker observes.
2. Continue reading the selection on your own. Keep making mind pictures as you read. Include sights, sounds, smells, and feelings in these pictures. Think about the mood and feelings these images evoke in you.
Fix-Up Idea: Read Shorter Sections at a Time
If you have trouble following this long poem, stop after each numbered section. Summarize or sketch what you pictured. Talk to a partner about your ideas. Then move on to the next numbered section.
After Reading
Sketch or Summarize Your Mind Pictures
Make some quick sketches or write a summary of the pictures you created in your mind as you read. With a partner, discuss the mood and tone of the poem.