"Pied Beauty," "Spring and Fall: To a Young Child"
Before Reading
Set a Purpose
"Pied Beauty" and "God's Grandeur" have similar themes and tones. As you read, try to determine the theme and tone of each poem and figure out what they have in common.
During Reading
Read with a Purpose in Mind
1. Listen as your teacher reads "Pied Beauty" aloud. Write answers to the Guided Reading Questions in your notebook. What is the tone, or attitude, toward the subject of the poem?
2. Read "God's Grandeur" on your own. Write answers to the Guided Reading Questions in your notebook. What is the main idea of this poem? What is the tone, or attitude toward the subject of the poem?
Fix-Up Idea: Read Aloud
Most of Hopkins' poetry is characterized by sprung rhythm. You can read more about sprung rhythm in Literary Tools on page 833. The beauty of Hopkins' poetry lies in the sound. Listen as someone reads the poems aloud. Then try reading them aloud yourself.
After Reading
Compare the Poems
With a partner, compare your responses to the questions you answered as you read. What theme and tone do you think the two poems share?
"God's Grandeur"
Before Reading
Make a Plan
The speaker is addressing Margaret, a young child. As you read, outline the points the speaker makes in talking to her.
During Reading
Outline as You Read
1. Listen as your teacher reads the poem through once. Jot down the main ideas you noticed as you listened.
2. Read the selection on your own. Read slowly and carefully. Take notes about the speaker's ideas and attitudes, outlining the key points he makes.
Fix-Up Idea: Read Aloud/Think Aloud
If you are having trouble with this selection, work with a partner to read and think aloud. Read a few lines aloud; stop when you come to an end mark or a semicolon. Stop and think aloud about what you have read. You might ask questions or try to answer your partner's questions, make predictions, or discuss related experiences. Have your partner read the lines again. Stop at the end marks or semicolons and do a think aloud. Keep doing this until you have read and discussed the entire poem.
After Reading
Summarize What You Wrote
With a partner, compare the outlines you made. Then discuss the speaker's attitude about aging.