How to Read a Poem
Poetry is a language – In our world it is the English Language. To read it, first one identifies the basic ideas – the sentences – (What do the sentences say?
)
Then one looks at the specific words within the sentences that enrich the sentences. What words seem “special”? Are there clues later in the poem that might clarify the meaning of the “special” words? (What do the words mean ?)
If the sentences are enriched by the words, what do the sentences say now?
The first words in a poem are the Title . In most cases the poet selects the title as the opening of the poem – the “first idea”. Look at the title first. How might it relate to the idea of the whole poem?
The poet decides how he will communicate his ideas in sentences, so begin reading by finding the punctuation that indicates where the sentences are. Mark all the periods that end sentences, or highlight every-other sentence. Do some seem longer or shorter than others? Does there seem to be a pattern which connects the length of sentences to the ideas the sentences express?
The words that “enrich” the sentences are the tools that the poet uses to expand his ideas beyond the literal to convey his non-literal, or metaphoric, ideas. Look at the words that seem somehow
“special”. How might they have other definitions, or additional meanings that broaden the ideas of the poet?

ID#_______________
AP Literature
(Suggested Time - 35 minutes)
Name:____________________
Teacher:_______________
Read the following poem carefully, using the techniques above. Then prepare to explain how the organization of the poem and the use of concrete details reveal both its literal and its metaphorical meanings. In your discussion, show how both these meanings relate to the title. A glossary is provided after the poem to help you with the additional meanings of the words.
Storm Warnings
The glass has been falling all the afternoon,
And knowing better than the instrument
What winds are walking overhead, what zone
Of gray unrest is moving across the land,
I leave the book upon a pillowed chair
And walk from window to closed window, watching
Boughs strain against the sky
And think again, as often when the air
Moves inward toward a silent core of waiting,
How with a single purpose time has traveled
By secret currents of the undiscerned
Into this polar realm. Weather abroad
And weather in the heart alike come on,
Regardless of prediction.
Between foreseeing and averting change
Lies all the mastery of elements
Which clocks and weatherglasses cannot alter.
Time in the hand is not control of time,
Nor shattered fragments of an instrument
A proof against the wind; the wind will rise,
We can only close the shutters.
I draw the curtains as the sky goes black
And set a match to candles sheathed in glass
Against the keyhole draught, the insistent whine
Of weather through the unsealed aperture.
This is our sole defense against the season;
These are the things that we have learned to do
Who live in troubled regions.
Adrienne Rich, 1951

Diction Used in "Storm Warnings"
If one studies this poem closely or subjects it to close reading analysis, one should note the richness of the terms employed by the poet to exploit the multiple meanings of the words and expand the meanings of the poem. These definitions are taken from the American Heritage Dictionary (School Edition). aperture , n., (1) An opening, such as a hole, gap, or slit black , adj., (1) Color; Being of the color black, producing or reflecting comparatively little light and having no predominant hue. (2) Having little or no light. (3) a.
Of, relating to, or belonging to a racial group having brown to black skin, especially one of African origin b.
Of, relating to, or belonging to an American ethnic group descended from African peoples having dark skin; African American; Afro-American. (4) Very dark in color. (5) Soiled, as from soot; dirty. (6) Evil, wicked. (7) Cheerless and depressing, gloomy. (8) Marked by anger or sullenness. (9)
Attended with disaster; calamitous. (10) Deserving of, indicating, or incurring censure or dishonor. (11) Wearing clothing of the darkest visual hue. (12) Served without milk or cream. (13) Appearing to emanate from a source other than the actual point of origin (in intelligence or espionage) (14) Disclosed, for reasons of security, only to a limited number of authorized persons. black , n., (1) color a.
The achromatic color value of minimum lightness or maximum darkness; the color of objects that absorb nearly all light of all visible wavelengths; one extreme of the neutral gray series, the opposite being white.
b.
A pigment or dye having this color value. (2) Complete or almost complete absence of light; darkness (3) Clothing of darkest hue, especially such clothing worn for mourning (4) a.
A member of a racial group having brown to black skin, especially one of African origin.
b.
A member of a racial group descended from
African peoples having dark skin; African American; Afro-American. (5) something that is colored black. (6)
(Games) a.
The black-colored pieces, as in chess or checkers b.
The player using these pieces. core , n. (1) The hard or fibrous central part of certain fruits, such as the apple or pear, containing the seeds. (2)
The central or innermost part. (3) The basic or most important part; the essence. (4) A set of subjects or courses that make up a required portion of a curriculum. (5) Electricity A soft iron rod in a coil or transformer that provides a path for and intensifies the magnetic field produced by the windings. (6) a.
Computer Science A memory, especially one consisting of tiny doughnut-shaped masses of magnetic material b.
One of the magnetic doughnut-shaped masses that make up such a memory. (7) The central portion of the Earth below the mantle, beginning at a depth of about 1800 miles and probably consisting of iron and nickel. (8) A mass of dry sand placed within a mold to provide openings or shape to a casting. (9) The part of a nuclear reactor where fission occurs.
(10) A cylindrical mass drilled vertically into the earth and removed from it to determine composition or the presence of oil or gas. (11) The base, usually of soft or inferior wood, to which veneer woods are glued. currents , n., (1) A steady, smooth onward movement. (2) The part of a body of liquid or gas that has a continuous onward movement. (3) A general tendency, movement, or course. current, adj., (1) a.
Belonging to the present time. b.
Being in progress now. (2) Passing from one to another, circulating. (3) Prevalent, especially at the present time. depression , n., (1) a.
The act of depressing b.
The condition of being depressed. (2) An area that is sunk below its surroundings; a hollow (3) The condition of feeling sad or despondent (4) A psychotic or neurotic condition characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, and feelings of extreme sadness, dejection, and hopelessness. (5) a.
A reduction in activity or force b.
A reduction in physiological vigor or activity. c.
A lowering in amount, degree, or position. (6) A period of drastic decline in a national or international economy, characterized by decreasing business activity, falling prices, and unemployment (7) A region of low barometric pressure (8) The angular distance below the horizontal plane through the point of observation. (9) The angular distance of a celestial body below the horizon. draught , n., v., adj., variant of draft (1) A current of air in an enclosed area. (2) A device that regulates the flow or circulation of air elements , n., (1) Fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituents of a composite entity. (2) Four substances,

earth, air, fire, and water, formerly regarded as fundamental constituents of the universe. (3) The forces that constitute the weather, especially severe or inclement weather. glass , n., (1) Any of a large class of materials with highly variable mechanical and optical properties ... (2)
Something usually made of glass, especially a.
a drinking vessel b.
a mirror c.
a barometer d.
a window or windowpane gray , adj, (1) Color: Of or relating to an achromatic color of any lightness between extremes of black and white.
(2) a.
Dull or dark. b. Lacking in cheer; gloomy. (3) a.
Having gray hair; hoary. b.
Old or venerable. (4)
Intermediate in character or position, as with regard to a subjective matter. -- n. (1) An achromatic color of any lightness between extremes of black and white. (2) An animal or object of the color gray. (3) The Confederate
Army in the US Civil War; a member of that army. --v. tr. & intr., to make or become gray. instrument , n., (1) A means by which something is done; and agency (2) One used by another to accomplish a purpose; a dupe. (3) An implement used to facilitate work (tool) (4) A device for recording, measuring, or controlling, especially such a device functioning as part of a control system. (5) A device for playing or producing music. (6) A legal document. mastery , n., (1) Possession of consummate skill. (2) The status of master or ruler; control. (3) Full command of a subject of study. polar , adj., (1) a.
Of, or relating to a pole. b. Measured from or referred to a pole. (2) Relating to, connected with, or located near the North or South Pole. (3) a.
Passing over a planet's north or south poles b.
Travelling in an orbit that passes over a planet's north or south poles. (4) Serving as a guide, as polestar or a pole of the earth. (5)
Occupying or characterized by opposite extremes. (6) Central or pivotal (7) Having to do with or characterized by a dipole. proof , n., (1) The evidence or argument that compels the mind to accept an assertion as true ...
(2) validation of an argument ... (3) Convincing or persuasive demonstration ... (4) Determination of the quality of something by testing; trial. (5) The result or effect of evidence ...
(6) Proven impenetrability. (e.g., waterproof) purpose , n., (1) The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or goal. (2) A result or effect that is intended or desired; an intention. (3) Determination; resolution. (4) The matter at hand; the point at issue. realm , n., (1) A kingdom. (2) A field, sphere, or province. regardless , adv., In spite of everything, anyway; adj. Heedless, unmindful. secret , adj., (1) Kept hidden from knowledge of view; concealed. (2) Dependably discreet. (3) Operating in a hidden or confidential manner. (4) Not expressed; inward. (5) Not frequented; secluded. (6) Known or shared only by the initiated. (7) Beyond ordinary understanding; mysterious. (8) Containing information, the unauthorized disclosure of which poses a grave threat to national security. strain , v.-tr. (1) To pull, draw, or stretch tight. (2) To exert or tax to the most. (3) To injure or impair by overuse or exertion; wrench. (4) To stretch or force beyond the proper or legitimate limit. (5) To alter the relations between the parts of a structure or shape by applying external force; deform. (6) a.
To pass through a filtering agent such as a strainer b.
To draw off or remove by filtration. (7) To embrace or clasp tightly; hug. --intr. (1) To make violent or steady efforts; strive hard. (2) To be or become wrenched or twisted. (3) To be subjected to great stress. (4) To pull violently or forcibly. (5) To stretch or exert one's muscles or nerves to the utmost. (6) To filter, trickle, or ooze. (7)
To be extremely hesitant; balk.

tropical . adj. (1) Of, occurring, or characteristic of the Tropics. (2) Hot and humid; torrid. tropical depression: A tropical low pressure system in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 33 knots (38 mph) or less. tropical storm: A tropical low pressure system in which the maximum sustained surface wind ranges from
34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 MPH) or greater.
Tropic , n. (1) a.
Either of two parallels of latitude on the earth, one 23

27' north of the Equator and the other
23

27' south of the Equator, representing the points furthest north and south at which the sun can shine directly overhead and constituting the boundaries of the Torrid Zone. b.
The region of the Earth's surface lying between these latitudes. trouble , n. (1) A state of distress, affliction, danger, or need. (2) A cause or source of distress, disturbance, or difficulty. (3) An effort, especially one that causes inconvenience or bother. (4) A condition of pain, disease, or malfunction. -- v.tr.
(1) To agitate, stir up. (2) To afflict with pain or discomfort. (3) To cause mental agitation or distress; worry. (4) To inconvenience; bother. undiscerned , part., not discerned. discern, v.tr. (1) To perceive with the eyes or intellect; detect. (2) To recognize or comprehend mentally.
(3) To perceive or recognize as being different or distinct; distinguish. --intr., To perceive differences. unrest n., An uneasy or troubled condition whine , v. intr., (1) To utter a plaintive, high-pitched, protracted sound, as in pain, fear, supplication, or complaint.
(2) To complain or protest in a childish fashion. (3) To produce a sustained noise of relatively high pitch. --tr. To utter with a whine. -n.
(1) The act of whining. (2) A whining sound. (3) A complaint uttered in a plaintive tone. zone , n. (1) An area or region distinguished from adjacent parts by a distinctive feature or characteristic. (2) a.
Any of the five regions of the surface of the Earth that are loosely divided according to prevailing climate and latitude, including the Torrid Zone, the North and South Temperate Zones, and the North and South Frigid Zones. b.
A similar division on any other planet. c.
Math.: A portion of a sphere bounded by the intersection of two parallel planes with the sphere. (3) Ecology: An area characterized by distinct physical conditions and populated by communities of certain kinds of organisms. (4) Anatomy: A ringlike or cylindrical growth or structure. (5)
Geology: A region or stratum distinguished by composition or content. (6) A section of an area or territory established for a specific purpose, as a section of a city restricted to a particular type of building, enterprise, or activity. (7) An area of a given radius within which a uniform rate is charged, as for transportation or shipping. (8)
Computer Science: a.
A region on a punch card or magnetic tape in which nondigital information is recorded. b.
A section of storage to be used for a particular purpose. (9) (Archaic) A belt or girdle.
--,v. tr., (1) to divide into zones. (2) to designate or mark off into zones.

Read the following poem carefully. Then explain how the organization of the poem and the use of concrete details reveal both its literal and its metaphorical meanings. In your discussion, show how both these meanings relate to the title.
Literal
Speaker = I - one watching a storm
Weather outside = abroad
Glass+ instrument
+ wind = ?
Unrest + leave pillow + walk = ?
Boughs strain=?
Inward to core
Regardless = without regard to, in spite of
Time, wind, storm
No control but defense
Speaker = we
Windows, shutters, curtains closed, but a little wind gets in
Sky is black, but candle is a little light.
We have learned to pay attention to the warning signs that tell when weather storms are coming and how to defend ourselves against them.
Storm Warnings
The glass has been falling all the afternoon,
And knowing better than the instrument
What winds are walking overhead, what zone
Of gray unrest is moving across the land,
Boughs strain against the sky
And think again, as often when the air
Moves inward toward a silent core of waiting,
How with a single purpose time has traveled
By secret currents of the undiscerned
Into this polar realm.
And
alike come on,
Regardless of prediction.
Between foreseeing and averting change
Lies all the mastery of elements
Which clocks and weatherglasses cannot alter.
Time in the hand is not control of time,
Nor shattered fragments of an instrument
A proof against the wind; the wind will rise,
We can only close the shutters.
I draw the curtains as the sky goes black
And set a match to candles sheathed in glass
Against the keyhole draught, the insistent whine
Of weather through the unsealed aperture.
This is our sole defense against the season;
These are the things that we have learned to do
Who live in troubled regions.
I leave the book upon a pillowed chair
And walk from window to closed window, watching
Metaphorical
Unrest > restless = weather in the heart
Outside> Window
Weather in the heart
Core=Heart?
Inside > keyhole
Sole/Soul?
We have learned to pay attention to the warning signs that tell when emotional storms are coming and how to defend ourselves against them.

Four Stanzas,
Seven Lines
Focus is outside weather
Grey = not intense
Window is a closed larger opening
Focus is inside, moving inward
Weather can be predicted, but not stopped
Speaker is one of a
We who shut out storm
Focus is inside, with doors & windows shut, shutters closed, curtains drawn
Speaker is one of a
We who lived in stormy regions
Storm Warnings
The glass has been falling all the afternoon,
And knowing better than the instrument
What winds are walking overhead, what zone
Of gray unrest is moving across the land,
I leave the book upon a pillowed chair
And walk from window to closed window, watching
Boughs strain against the sky
And think again, as often when the air
Moves inward toward a silent core of waiting,
How with a single purpose time has traveled
By secret currents of the undiscerned
Into this polar realm.
And
alike come on
Regardless of prediction.
Between foreseeing and averting change
Lies all the mastery of elements
Which clocks and weatherglasses cannot alter.
Time in the hand is not control of time,
Nor shattered fragments of an instrument
A proof against the wind; the wind will rise,
We can only close the shutters.
I draw the curtains as the sky goes black
And set a match to candles sheathed in glass
Against the keyhole draught, the insistent whine
Of weather through the unsealed aperture.
This is our sole defense against the season;
These are the things that we have learned to do
Who live in troubled regions.
Glass weather instrument = barometric pressure
Leaves “pillowed chair” & walks restlessly
Time can’t be stopped
Weather can be predicted, but not stopped
Clocks don’t control time;
Weather instruments don’t control weather.
Shutters are a defense
Curtains are defense
Candles give some light, but a little wind gets in through the keyhole

Storm Warnings
The glass has been falling all the afternoon,
And knowing better than the instrument
What winds are walking overhead, what zone
Of gray unrest is moving across the land,
I leave the book upon a pillowed chair
And walk from window to closed window, watching
Boughs strain against the sky
And think again, as often when the air
Moves inward toward a silent core of waiting,
How with a single purpose time has traveled
By secret currents of the undiscerned
Into this polar realm. Weather abroad
And weather in the heart alike come on
Regardless of prediction.
Between foreseeing and averting change
Lies all the mastery of elements
Which clocks and weatherglasses cannot alter.
Time in the hand is not control of time,
Nor shattered fragments of an instrument
A proof against the wind; the wind will rise,
We can only close the shutters.
I draw the curtains as the sky goes black
And set a match to candles sheathed in glass
Against the keyhole draught, the insistent whine
Of weather through the unsealed aperture.
This is our sole defense against the season;
These are the things that we have learned to do
Who live in troubled regions.
Adrienne Rich, 1951

Advanced Placement Examination in English Literature 1981
Question 1
(Suggested Time - 35 minutes)
Read the following poem carefully. Then write an essay in which you explain how the organization of the poem and the use of concrete details reveal both its literal and its metaphorical meanings . In your discussion, show how both these meanings relate to the title.
Storm Warnings
The glass* has been falling all the afternoon, Indications of Storm Outside
And knowing better than the instrument
What winds are walking overhead, what zone
Of gray unrest is moving across the land,
I leave the book upon a pillowed chair
And walk from window to closed window, watching
Boughs strain against the sky
And think again, as often when the air
Moves inward toward a silent core of waiting,
How with a single purpose time has traveled
By secret currents of the undiscerned
Into this polar realm. Weather abroad
And weather in the heart alike come on
Regardless of prediction.
Between foreseeing and averting change
Lies all the mastery of elements
Which clocks and weatherglasses cannot alter.
Time in the hand is not control of time,
Nor shattered fragments of an instrument
A proof against the wind; the wind will rise,
We can only close the shutters.
I draw the curtains as the sky goes black
And set a match to candles sheathed in glass
Against the keyhole draught, the insistent whine
Of weather through the unsealed aperture.
This is our sole defense against the season;
These are the things that we have learned to do
Who live in troubled regions. approaching outside gray
I unrest > leave pillowed chair window > closed window core > center polar = extremes:e.g. high/ low
Pivot sentence that connects literal and metaphoric meanings
Predicting does not mean preventing
Storms come, we can only protect ourselves
We
Close windows> close shutters> draw curtains
Candle flame protected
Black
St. 1 had windows, St. 4 has keyhole sole/soul pun ?
Our, We
Literal
Outer
Warnings
Less intense singular big
Inner
Literal and
Metaphoric :
Storms come whether they are predicted or not
Metaphoric
Inner plural closing in
Most intense
Hope
Innermost big > small plural
*glass = barometric pressure, barometer, weatherglass
Troubled regions = Tropics, depression ?
Candles…glass = hurricane lamp
Adrienne Rich, 1951

Organiza tion
Literal
Meaning
Concrete
Detail
Organiza tion
Storm Warnings
Title
O r
Organiza tion
Concrete
Detail
Metaphoric
Meaning
Concrete
Detail
Literal
Meaning
Metaphoric
Meaning
[Literal
Meaning
Metaphoric
Meaning
Storm Warnings
Title