DO NOWDO NOWDO NOWDO NOWComplete the “Grammar Complete the “Grammar Bytes!” section of your Bytes!” section of your

packet. Be prepared to share packet. Be prepared to share your answers. your answers.

Review

• Theme is a message about life the author wants to convey

• Revealed through the text

Examples of Theme• Education is key to success• Arrogance and pride can bring

destruction• You must look beyond the surface

to find what’s inside• Good triumphs over evil • Love conquers all• Rags to Riches through hard work

“Sympathy”By Paul Laurence

Dunbar

SummaryIn his poem, Dunbar expresses sympathy and understanding for the caged bird. He says he knows how it feels to envy freedom and be trapped behind cruel bars with only a prayer or plea to be free. Dunbar has experiencedthese feelings as a black man in

America.

ThemeThe theme of the poem "Sympathy" is racism, and the imprisoning effect it has on the soul. In the poem, the poet Paul Lawrence Dunbar compares himself to a caged bird.  As a black man in

America, he can sympathize with how the bird feels. He has experienced pain and suffering, just as the caged bird “beats his bars” until he is bruised and sore. Dunbar knows what it’s like to sing prayers of desperation. His hope is for the bird and himself to one day be free.

Group StationsStation One: Author’s Background

Edgar Allan Poe and Maya Angelou

Station Two: ThemePoe and Angelou

Station Three: Theme Thomas and Shakur

25 Minutes Per Station