TODAY IN CLASS
Both classes completed all we plan to do with Tennyson's "The Eagle."

FYI:  Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892); "Victorian"; made Poet Laureate in 1850; poetry spans a period from the late 1830's to the mid 1880's.  In many ways expresses the confidence and optimism of the Victorian age, though some of his poetry reflects personal loss and sadness.

After agreeing that, though some extensions of the literal meaning were possible, they were not "inevitable" or essential.  The poem can stand on its own as a statement of the grandeur and natural power of an eagle.

Then we looked at William Blake's "The Sick Rose."

FYI:  William Blake (1757-1827)  A "Pre-Romantic" in that most of his work belongs to the late 18th century, the "Age of Reason, but as a revolutionary and mystic, Blake is usually considered a forerunner of Romanticism.

Both classes noted that "The Sick Rose" is most assuredly not about a rose bush experiencing some form of plant disease or infestation.   So one short task for tomorrow is to read/re-read, and decide (WITHOUT BENEFIT OF PRINT OR ONLINE SOURCES) what you think the poem is "about."
Show your thoughts by filling in what corresponds to each of the following elements from the poem:

Rose =
worm =
howling storm =
bed =
secret love =
thy life =

3rd Period--Looked at Polonius' explanation to the King and Queen of his perception of Hamlet's problem, through his plans to follow Claudius' wish that his theory be put to the test.

4th--didn't . . .

FOR TOMORROW
Yes, the short analysis of "The Sick Rose" via filling out the the list above.

The Poetry Terms Quiz (Part 1):  A-M