Name:
Date:
Period:
A Poison Tree
I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
And I watered it in fears,
Night and morning with my tears;
And I sunned it with smiles,
And with soft deceitful wiles.
And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright.
And my foe beheld it shine.
And he knew that it was mine,
And into my garden stole
When the night had veiled the pole;
In the morning glad I see
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.
William Blake
Four Square Poetry Directions: Please take a blank sheet of paper, fold it vertically. Then, fold it
horizontally to make four equal squares. Make a light mark in the corner of each square labeling each as
1, 2, 3, and 4. Now, find one partner, read the poem together and complete the directions below.

In square #1, please draw images that are created in your mind as you read A Poison Tree.

In square #2, please make a list of the 5-7 most powerful word choices in the poem.

In square #3, please identify and explain 2-3 examples of figurative language.

In square #4, write 1-2 sentences explaining the theme, or message, of this poem. (What life
lesson or universal truth is expressed?)
Crossover Question: For the question below, please include an assertion, text evidence from each
selection, and insightful commentary explaining your answer.
Discuss how one of the themes from The Cask of Amontillado is similar to, or different from a theme in A
Poison Tree.