In just a minute, you’ll get together with your
partner to review your first haiku poem.
First, I’ll show you how to analyze one of these
poems (how I’d do it).
Spring rains weaving
Eccentric brocades
Across the face of the water–
Will they dye all the hills green?
1) Initial thoughts/questions/comments:
This seems to be a poem about nature and about
the impact of spring. I notice this because it
specifically mentions spring rains and questions
what impact these rains will have. It seems to
suggest that spring is beautiful and creates life.
Spring rains weaving
Eccentric brocades
Across the face of the water–
Will they dye all the hills green?
2) Dominant mood: I believe that the mood is that of
wonder, appreciation and peace. The idea of
growing new life creates a sense of wonder within
me, as well as a sense of appreciation for the beauty
that nature is able to create. Picturing the beauty of
nature also brings me a sort of peace because it’s so
distant from the stress and worry of human life.
Spring rains weaving
Eccentric brocades
Across the face of the water–
Will they dye all the hills green?
3) Image that stands out: I picture “dye all the hills
green” the most powerfully. I imagine a rainy, cloudy
day where as far as the eye can see, new grass and
new life is just beginning to form after brown,
lifeless land. I associate this with newness, life, and
celebration (since there is a joy found in new life–
whether a baby’s life, plant life, animal life, etc.).
Spring creates this joy through its natural powers.
Spring rains weaving
Eccentric brocades
Across the face of the water–
Will they dye all the hills green?
5) Meaning: I believe that this poem’s main message is that
we should appreciate the talent and amazing capabilities
of nature. It seems to suggest that nature is much more of
an artist– a awe-inspiring artist– than humans give it
credit for. It creates beautiful patterns and colors for us to
enjoy.
Spring rains weaving
Eccentric brocades
Across the face of the water–
Will they dye all the hills green?
4) Strong piece of diction: I thing that most striking pieces of
diction is “weaving.” When I think of the word
“weaving,” I associate it with a happy old lady who is
creating something beautiful– art of some sort– for others
to enjoy. It has connotations of artistry, talent, and
creativity. This makes it sound like the water is an artist
of sort. Also, the fact that it’s creating patterns on the
“face” of the water makes it seem like the water is alive–
almost human-like.
Warm-up: With a partner, review the tanka
poem. Make a chart with four columns. In
each column, write…




Column 1: the author of the poem
Column 2: the mood created
Column 3: one or two pieces of diction that help
create this mood
Column 4: Explain how the diction creates the
mood
AUTHOR
MOOD
DICTION
EXPLANATION


How many of you will be out on Thursday for a
field trip?
Review for final exam.
Reading 3.4: Analyze the ways in which poets
use imagery… and sounds to evoke readers’
emotions.
You’ll read two Haiku poems in each partners group.
 You must write down:
1. Initial thoughts/questions/comments.
2. The dominant mood in the poem
3. One image that stands out in the poem (make sure
it deals with the 5 senses)
4. One piece of diction that you
think is powerful, and WHY.
5. An explanation of the poem
(i.e. what it means).