Poem Analysis

Throughout this poem, the poet uses an extended metaphor in which the speaker compares herself to a(n) __________.

• airplane

• bird

• ocean

In lines 2-4, the speaker says “ . . . I used to abide/In the narrowest nest in a corner,/My wings pressing close to my side.” Try acting out these lines: Stand by yourself in a corner or a small space and press your wings (your arms) close to your sides. How did doing this make you feel?

• Confined and restricted

• Energized and inspired

• Relaxed and at peace

• Indifferent and neutral

What do you think the speaker is saying in lines 2-4 about the way she used to live her life?

• She used to live life without any problems

• She used to live life without any excitement

• She used to live life in a limited or narrow way

• She used to live life without any ambition

Consider the word encircled in line 6. What do you think the speaker means when she says that “the skyline encircled the sea”?

• The skyline is hidden by the sea

• The skyline is in front of the sea

• The skyline forms a circle around the sea

• The skyline is above the sea

How does what the speaker describes in the second stanza compare with what she describes in the first stanza? Is it similar or very different?

• Similar

• Very different

• A mixture of both

• Unrelated

What idea do you think the speaker is expressing in the second stanza about how she wants to live her life?

• She wants to live life in a limited or narrow way

• She wants to experience the vastness and freedom of the world

• She wants to live life without any ambition

• She wants to find companionship

Now explain what the metaphor means. In other words, what is the human being who is the speaker of the poem saying that she did?

• The human being is saying that she sang a beautiful song

• The human being is saying that she broke free from personal limitations and embarked on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery

• The human being is saying that she flew away from the horizon

• The human being is saying that she landed on the ground and rested

Consider the poem’s title. In your own words, what does it mean to be brave? Do you think it requires more bravery to do something that you feel confident about or something that you do not feel confident about?

• Being brave means acting confidently even when you do not feel confident, and it requires more bravery to do something that you do not feel confident about.

• Being brave means acting confidently only when you feel confident, and it requires more bravery to do something that you feel confident about.

• Being brave means acting confidently only when you feel confident, and it requires more bravery to do something that you do not feel confident about.

• Being brave means acting confidently even when you feel confident, and it requires more bravery to do something that you feel confident about.

Do you think the title “Song of Bravery” fits this poem? Why or why not?

• Yes, because the poem describes the speaker breaking free from personal limitations and demonstrating courage.

• No, because the poem does not describe anything brave or courageous.

• Maybe, because the poem describes the speaker breaking free from personal limitations and demonstrating courage, but it also has a strong connection to journeying to new places and experiences.

What is the poem's message “On the Beach at night Alone”? What symbolism did the author use to convey this message? What other poetic devices were used to get the message through? Explain your answer concisely.

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