Hope as a Small Bird (Poem by Dickinson)

Read the poem aloud first, then have students read any glossary or note before answering. Ask them to cite line numbers in every written answer.

Trace the extended metaphor of hope as a bird through Emily Dickinson's poem, from the gale to the crumb. The directions on the page read: Read the poem, the note and the glossary. Then circle the best answer for 1 to 3. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade poetry, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Put the exact words in quotation marks and give the line number. Then explain what the words show. Every sheet prints line numbers so students can cite them.

Irony is a gap between what is expected and what happens or is said. In Millay's Spring, April arrives babbling and strewing flowers while the speaker insists beauty is not enough.

Invented words can add sound, humor or mystery. In Calico Pie, Edward Lear uses words like Tilly-loo and Willeby-wat that readers work out from context.