EUROPE AND AMERICA
American Literature Honors
Mr. Gallegos
Semester One
Concrete and Abstract Nouns
• Please complete the first page of the
packet following the directions at the top of
the page. Please work silently!
• A concrete noun names an object which
can be perceived by the senses.
• An abstract noun names a quality,
characteristic, or an idea.
• Underline the concrete nouns and circle the
abstract nouns in each sentence.
Learning Objectives
• Content Objective: Students will be able to
analyze the use of denotation and connotation in
a poem and describe the connotation of specific
words.
• Language Objective: Students will read the
poem titled “Europe and America” on Page 10.
• Language Objective: Students will complete the
graphic organizer on Page 11. In the last column,
students need to describe the effect of the reader
by writing a short response to the question.
Key Vocabulary
• Record these definitions in your spiral
notebooks.
• Denotation: The exact literal meaning of a word.
• Connotation: The associations and emotional
overtones attached to a word beyond its literal
definition or denotation. A connotation may be
positive, negative, or neutral.
• For Example: When you think of the word
Hollywood, what comes to mind? Is it positive or
negative? What about the word Columbine?
Denotation Versus Connotation
Word or Phrase
Bedded in
soft green
money.
Denotation
Connotation
Effect on the
Reader
BeddedResting
SoftComfortable
and soothing.
Money- Used
to make
purchases for
good and
services.
This phrase
reflects the
relative
comfort he
experiences
on a daily
basis; a stark
contrast from
that of his
father.
The reader is
supposed to
be able to
visualize the
privilege the
son has.
Denotation Versus Connotation
Word or Phrase
Bed of
anguish
Denotation
BedFurniture
used for
sleeping and
resting.
AnguishExtreme pain
and suffering.
Connotation
This phrase
reflects the
severe
hardships
and pain his
father
experienced
on a daily
basis. It was
a part of his
routine.
Effect on the
Reader
The reader is
supposed to
feel the pain
of the father
through the
imagery and
feel pity or
admiration for
him.
Denotation Versus Connotation
Word or Phrase
Vast
continent of
breezes,
storms to
him.
Denotation
Connotation
Continent- vast
area of the world
comprised of
several countries
and or regions.
Breezes- A soft
and calming wind.
Storms- When
severe or
inclement weather
occurs.
This phrase
continues to
highlight the stark
differences
between the lives
of him and his
father. His father
feels pain as often
as his son feels
pleasure. Also,
the phrase implies
the differences
are not just
physical.
Effect on the
Reader
Sympathy/E
mpathy
Imagery
Exit Ticket
• Please record your responses in your spiral
notebook.
• What are the differences between denotation and
connotation and how does connotation contribute
to the tone of a passage?
• Make a list of words that have a positive
connotation and a list of words that have a
negative connotation.