Before Reading
Think About What You Know
Respond in writing to the Reader's Journal prompt. Then discuss your response with two or three of your classmates. Keep these ideas in mind as you read.
During Reading
Use What You Know as You Read
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first stanza aloud. What kind of incident is the speaker describing? How did people feel about the subject of the poem?
2. Continue reading the poem on your own. Take notes about what happens to the subject of the poem, what happens to his fame, and how people feel about him.
Fix-Up Idea: Reread
Sometimes the subject follows the verb in this poem. If you are having trouble understanding, try rereading to untangle syntax. Read a sentence from the poem. First identify the verb. Then look for the subject. Rewrite the sentence in a more natural order. Then continue reading.
After Reading
Summarize What You Learned
With your group from the Before-Reading activity, compare the notes you took. Then discuss the Evaluate and Extend questions on page 848 of your textbook.