Learning Target:
1.
Students will read the poem “Harlem” and identify the author’s purpose for using
metaphors and similes.
Language Objective: Students will work in small collaborative groups to discuss and
analyze the message of the poem.
Success Criteria:
1.
I can identify metaphors and similes in the poem.
2.
I can identify the author’s message in the poem.
3.
I can analyze how the figurative language develops the poem’s theme.
Agenda:
1.
SSR & Journal
2.
Author’s Decisions in Poetry- “Don’t Be Afraid” by Allan Wolf
3.
Metaphors and Similes
4.
Poetry Analysis- “Harlem” by Langston Hughes
Homework:
1.
Read The House on Mango Street by November 13th (B Day) / 16th (A Day).
Figurative Language
Metaphor- A comparison between two unlike
things without using the words “like” or
“as”
•
Example: He drowned in a sea of grief.
Simile- A comparison between two unlike
things using the words “like” or “as”
•
Example: Her face was white as snow.
Analyzing Similes and Metaphors

Identify the two items being compared

Brainstorm the characteristics and qualities

Compare your brainstorming to the context of the poem

Elaborate on these connections to figure out the hidden meanings (if any)

Practice:

Jim is like the Incredible Hulk

Jane is everyone’s mother.

This desk is a rocket ship taking you to interesting new worlds.
Author’s Purpose in Poetry
Together we will read the poem “Don’t Be Afraid” by
Allan Wolf.
In your group discuss the following:
What is the author’s message of the poem?
What writing decisions is the author making? Why?
How do those decisions develop the author’s message?
Harlem
By Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Re-read the poem “Harlem” and
complete the following individually:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Define unknown words.
Highlight similes in the poem in yellow.
Highlight metaphors in the poem in orange.
Paraphrase or summarize the poem in your notebook.
Re-read the poem “Harlem” and
complete the following in your groups:
1. Identify the speaker of the poem and the intended audience.
2. Identify the tone of the poem. What diction supports the tone?
How?
3. Identify the author’s message.
4. Choose one simile in the poem. Why does the poet use the
simile identified?
5. Choose one metaphor in the poem. Why does the poet use the
metaphor identified?
6. Write a thematic statement for the poem.
Reminders:
Abstract noun + Message = Thematic Statement
People often…and as a result OR If…then
Open Ended Response
- Why does the poet compare the deferred
dream to something that would explode?
- How does this metaphor develop the
theme of the poem?