Writing H: Unit 5 + "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"

Writing H: Unit 5 + "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"

Points for the class:

• Point 1: Analyze figurative language and relate a particular section of text to mood (p. 80)

• Point 2: Review "body" paragraph + define a practice "conclusion" of an essay (p. 17)

• Point 3: (If time, explore the poem thru open response activities (p. 81)

What is "figurative language"?

Figurative language refers to the use of words in a way that deviates from the conventional order and meaning in order to convey a complicated meaning, colorful writing, clarity, or evocative comparison. It uses an ordinary sentence to refer to something without directly stating it.

For example:

-A metaphor compares two things by suggesting that one thing is another: "The United States is a melting pot."

-A simile compares two things by saying that one thing is like another: "My love is like a red, red rose."

-Hyperbole is a form of exaggeration: "I would die without you.

And remember "mood"?

The term mood refers to the atmosphere that envelopes the reader and evokes certain feelings.

Question 13, p. 80:

Explain how the following line reflects the theme of the poem:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

(Take a few minutes to think about this and jot down any thoughts you might have in your notebook).

Question 13, p. 80:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

This line suggests that nature is beautiful, but mysterious--and something that is separate from human life. The speaker is experiencing nature only by being as far from town and people as possible, and doing something his fellow townspeople might question: stopping in the middle of nowhere to experience winter. The phrase "dark and deep" suggests that part of nature can never be truly understood by humans.

Question 14, p. 80:

In what way are the final 2 lines of the poem figurative--containing meaning beyond their literal interpretation?

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

(Write your thoughts for the next few minutes.)

Question 14, p. 80:

The final repeated pair of lines may be interpreted with a figurative meaning: "And miles to go before I sleep." By interpreting "sleep" to also mean "death", we ca assume that the speaker has many years left before he dies and it is toon soon to give up on life and withdraw.

Last question!

Question 15, p. 80:

How do the final two lines of the poem change the mood of "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"?

Question 15, p. 80:

The final lines of the poem have a plodding and tired mood, reminiscent of someone trudging through heavy snow. The speaker repeats that he must keep riding because he has miles to go before his job is done. While the beginning of the poem is reflective and peaceful, the mood changes in the final lines. It moves away from the peaceful quiet of a winter night to the reality of responsibility in life.

Spend the next few minutes looking at what you wrote yesterday for the essay and attempt writing a conclusion!

(This time will also be used for briefing students on what is going on for the Writing Exam at 11:40am!)