A Midsummer Night's DreamSUMMARYThis play is a love story that is split between four sets of lovers; Hippolyta and Theseus, Hermia and Lysander, Helena and Demetrius and Titania and Oberon. The story begins with a distraught father, Egeus, asking the Duke, Thesus, to bring the law upon his daughter's, Hermias, head. His request is made because he wants her to marry Demetrius and she has disobeyed him by seeing Lysander in secret. The Duke gives Hermia up to the day of his wedding to decide to obey her father or suffer the consequence of consignment to a nunnery if she chooses to oppose him. This decision spurs Hermia and Lysander to meet in the woods to facilitate their elopement. Things get interesting at this point because Puck, a fairy, carries out Oberons request to meddle in the lovers lives. Mistaken identity occurs with hilarious consequences. The tale of Titania, Oberon and Bottom intersect as a subplot, as well as the play within the play. The play ends with all the lovers being wed.

SETTING

The play is set in Athens Some scenes occur within the palace walls While others occur in the wood, outside of Athens

CHARACTERSPuck

Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, is a mischievous fairy who delights in playing pranks on mortals. His antics are responsible for many of the complications that propel the other main plots He mistakes the young Athenians, applying the love potion to Lysander instead of Demetrius, thereby causing chaos within the group of young lovers He also transforms Bottoms head into that of an ass.Oberon

The king of the fairies, Oberon is initially at odds with his wife, Titania, because she refuses to give him a young Indian prince. Oberons desire for revenge on Titania leads him to send Puck to obtain the lovepotion flower (love in idleness) that creates so much of the plays confusion.Titania

Titania is very stubborn because she resists her husbands attempts, Oberon to obtain the child. She has a brief, potioninduced love for Nick Bottom, whose head Puck has transformed into that of an ass.

Lysander

A young man of Athens who is in love with Hermia. Lysanders relationship with Hermia highlights the theme of loves difficulty He cannot marry Hermia openly because Egeus, her father, wishes her to wed Demetrius He becomes the victim of misapplied magic and wakes up in love with Helena.

Demetrius

A young man of Athens who is initially in love with Hermia He ends up, ultimately, falling in love with Helena.

Hermia

Egeus daughter. A young woman of Athens. Hermia is in love with Lysander and is a childhood friend of Helena. She is in love with Lysander She is left without a lover when both Lysander and Demetrius suddenly fall in love with Helena. She ends up marrying Lysander

Helena

A young woman of Athens. She is in love with Demetrius. Demetrius and Helena were once courted, but when Demetrius met Helenas friend Hermia, he fell in love with her and abandoned Helena. Lacking confidence in her looks, Helena thinks that Demetrius and Lysander are mocking her when the fairies mischief causes them to fall in love with her.

Egeus

Hermias father, who brings a complaint against his daughter to Theseus: Egeus has given Demetrius permission to marry Hermia, but Hermia, in love with Lysander, refuses to marry Demetrius. Egeuss severe insistence that Hermia either respect his wishes or be held accountable to Athenian law places him squarely outside the whimsical dream realm of the forest.

Theseus

He is the duke of Athens. He is engaged to Hippolyta. Theseus represents power and order throughout the play. He appears only at the beginning and end of the story, he is therefore removed from the dreamlike events of the forest.

Hippolyta

The queen of the Amazons. She is engaged to Theseus. Like Theseus, she symbolizes order.

Nick Bottom

The overconfident weaver chosen to play Pyramus in the craftsmens play for Theseuss marriage celebration. He is full of advice and selfconfidence. He frequently makes silly mistakes and misuses language. He is the comic relief in the play because of he is unaware that he possessed an ass head.

Peter Quince

A carpenter. The leader of the craftsmens attempt to put on a play for Theseuss marriage celebration. Quince is often ignored by the overly confident Bottom. He plays the Prologue in the play within the play.

Francis Flute

The bellowsmender. He is chosen to play Thisbe in the play within the play. Forced to play a young girl in love.Robin Starveling

The tailor. He was to chosen to play Thisbes mother in the play within the play He ends up playing the part of Moonshine.Tom Snout

The tinker. He is chosen to play Pyramuss father in the play within the play. He ends up playing the part of Wall, dividing the two lovers.

Snug

The joiner. He is chosen to play the lion in the play within the play. Snug worries that his roaring will frighten the ladies in the audience.

Philostrate

Theseuss Master of the Revels. He isresponsible for organizing the entertainment for the dukes marriage celebration.

Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Mote, and Mustardseed

The fairies ordered by Titania to attend to Bottom after she falls in love with him.

SUMMARYAct 1Scene 1Theseus and Hippolyta are ecstatic about their wedding day. The scene continues with Egeus, who wants his daughter, Hermia, to marry Demetrius instead of Lysander. Egeus visits the duke of Athens, Theseus, to request the enforcing of the old Athenian law which states that a disobedient daughter may be sent to her death by her father. Hermia could accept the death sentence, marry Demetrius, or join the nunnery. The chapter ends with Lysander and Hermia planning their elopement, and telling Helena, Hermias childhood friend, of their plans.

Scene 2Quince, Snug, Bottom, Flute, Snout and Starveling meet to discuss a play that they will enact on the Dukes wedding night. Quince is the main organizer and Bottom appears to be the person that wants to play everyones part. Quince gives everyone their roles and asks them to meet the following night in the palace woods.

Act 2Scene 1This scene opens with the fairy and Puck conversing. Both Oberon and Titania enter and start arguing. The audience learns that nature is being affected negatively by this and Oberon suggests that she should just give him the changeling boy to end it all. She refuses, and Oberon retaliates by plotting, with Puck, to acquire the flower, loveinidleness, to let her fall in love with the first creature that she sees. This scene continues with Demetrius blatant rejection of Helena in the woods. The scene continues with Oberon informing Puck that he is going to drop the love juice on Titanias eyelids. He instructs Puck to do the same to Demetrius.

Scene 2Titania enters the wood and instructs her fairies to sing her to sleep. Oberon then arrives and places the love juice on her eyelids. As a result, Titania falls in love with Bottom, the first creature that she sees. Lysander and Hermia then make their entrance in the woods, where Hermia suggests that Lysander sleep further away from her, for the sake of propriety. After this scene, Puck enters and mistakenly anoints the Lysander, instead of Demetrius, with the love juice. Lysander awakes to see Helena and declares his love for her. Helena believes that he is mocking her and storms off angrily, with Lysander in tow. Hermia then awakes from a bad dream finding herself alone.

Act 3Scene 1The craftsmen met in the woods to rehearse the play. They discuss, and decide, on changes that are to be made to the play and the rehearsal begins. During the rehearsals, Puck is watching and sees Bottom leave the scene. Puck follows him and, without his knowledge, transforms Bottoms head into that of an ass. Most of the artisans flee in terror. Bottom suspects that his companions are trying to make an ass of him and decides to sing to himself. The song awakens Titania, who immediately sees Bottom and falls in love with him. Titania asks him to remain with her in the woods; she will have him attended to and cared for by her fairies. She summons Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth and Mustardseed, and tells them to lead Bottom to her bower.

Scene 2Puck speaks to Oberon about the mischief that has occurred. He reports that Titania has fallen in love with Bottom. Hermia and Demetrius enter, with Hermia accusing Demetrius of killing her beloved Lysander, who has vanished. The argument reveals no truths so Hermia departs in search of Lysander, leaving Demetrius to sleep. At this point, Puck and Oberon realized that a mistake has been made and Puck is sent in search of Helena while Oberon enchants the sleeping Demetrius. They unintentionally wake Demetrius who immediately falls in love with Helena because she is the first person that he sees. Helena now thinks that Demetrius is a part of the prank because of his sudden change of heart. The situation escalates when Hermia enters. Lysander and Demetrius fight over Helena, while Helena starts a fight with Hermia. Helena thinks Hermia is also a part of the prank. Oberon rushes to retrieve the Indian boy from Titania, while Puck leads the lovers away from each other before a life is lost. They get lost in a fog and fall asleep to wake up in love.

ACT 4Scene 1Titania and Bottom get acquainted, with Titania being completely enamored with Bottom. She offers him the services of her fairies and they both fall asleep. Oberon decides to take the spell from Titania's eyes, after she consents to giving up the Indian boy. After Puck removes the asses head from Bottom, the fairies leave the wood. Theseus and his followers then arrive for a celebration in the wood. They meet upon the lovers and awaken them. After a conversation with the pairs of lovers, Theseus declares that both pairs of lovers should marry, along with himself and Hyppolyta, in the palace. They all leave, then Bottom wakes up and makes his way to Athens.

Scene 2The actors are worried about the missing Bottom, and about whether or not the play can go on without him. He then makes a dramatic entrance.

ACT 5Scene 1Theseus and Hyppolyta are back at the palace discussing the experiences that the lovers described. All the couples choose Bottom's play for the evening's entertainment. The play progresses, the actors leave, and then Puck gives a closing speech.THEMES Romantic loveInfatuationPower and authorityMagic vs. realityWomen in societyClass

The Wine of AstonishmentSUMMARYThe book is about Eva and Bee Dorcas, members of the Spiritual Baptist Church. It is about their experiences of being persecuted for their religious affiliation and the faith that they have in Ivan Morton to change their situation. The character Bolo is also at the forefront of this story because he embodies the result of not being able to be a man in a society that does not view being Black as valuable.

SETTINGTime / Place:

The story is set over a 20 year time period, 1932 1951 Set in a small, remote village in Trinidad called BonassePolitical structure:

Trinidad was still a colony under the British Empire Trinidad was ruled under the Crown Colony system Head of State in England governed the island via the Governor, who was his or her representative Political power, therefore, lay in the governor, assisted by a Council Universal adult suffrage (right of all adults to vote) did not occur to Trinidad until 1946. Power still lay in the hands of those who owned plantations and these people, in turn, controlled the instruments of power; the legislature, the courts and the police.Economy:

The economy was still predominantly agricultural; sugar, cocoa, coffee, coconuts and citrus. The petroleum industry was just beginning to make an impact. Subsistence farming (production of foodstuff for domestic use) was the norm World War II led to the establishment of American bases, which introduced opportunity to earn money WW II also introduced a consumer attitude to life in BonasseSocial structure:

Trinidad boasted a very diverse Creole society populated by a variety of ethnic groups (Indian, Black, Chinese, White), each with its own cultural and religious practices. Trinidad was still a series of small villages connected by a network of tiny roads, hence, travel between villages was infrequent

Religion:

The protagonists in the novel are Spiritual Baptists/ Shouter Baptists This religion arose out of a fusion of Protestant Christianity and African Orisha elements The religion was outlawed in 1917 on the grounds that they disturbed the peace with their bell ringing, loud singing and highly expressive behavior during worship. See video clip of Spiritual Baptist in Grenada at the bottom of this page.

MAJOR CHARACTERSEva Dorcas:

The wife of Bee Dorcas and mother to 5 children She is the emotional support for her husband She is a strong Christian The story is told through her eyes (1st person narrator) She is patient and long sufferingBee Dorcas:

Evas husband and father of her 5 children Pastor of the Shouter Baptist church in the text He is a strong Christian He is considered to be the pillar of the community He is very wise, patient and long suffering He is very persistent, as seen in his lobbying for Ivan Morton Shoulders his responsibilities well and does not view them as a burdenBolo:

Local stick fighting champion Initially beloved and admired by the community, seen as a hero/warrior figure Was imprisoned for 3 years for defending his mother, and the church, during a police raid of the Shouter Baptist church Later becomes the terror of the community because of how he bullied every-one after his return from prison A brave, yet simple character that was crushed by the realities of life as a black man in Trinidad

Ivan Morton:

Local boy who was considered to be the pride of the community because he was bright Failed his college Exhibition examination twice He eventually became a teacher within the community He married a light skinned girl from Tunapuna, and abandoned Eulalie and their illegitimate baby The community chose him to represent them on the Council and he became a true politician; talk without action

MINOR CHARACTERSClyde:

Ivan Mortons driver A lot of second hand information about Ivan is gleaned from this character, via Joyce Eventually marries JoyceMr. Buntin:

Black owner of the local shop He believed in Black empowerment He was not a good businessman; a lot of people owed him and his shop was virtually empty by the end of the book He enjoyed the company of his patronsMitchel:

Carpenter on the American Base Money-lender and contact man Owner of the local shop that eventually competes with Buntins shop An example of some-one who has profited from the American presence in Trinidad Bolo destroys his establishment He campaigns for Ivan Morton during his bid for re-election to the councilClem:

The polar opposite of Bolo Calm and able to go with the flow A musician who eventual leaves Bonasse to become the successful Lord Trafalgar He got along with everyone

Eulalie:

The most attractive girl in Bonasse Widely believed that she would eventually marry Bolo She dated Ivan Morton instead She became pregnant by Ivan and was abandoned by him She eventually went to live in the United States

Corporal Prince:

He was tall and stocky Enforced the law at all costs Arrested and brutally beat Bolo, 1st time Raided the Shouter Baptist church He was unsympathetic to the Shouter BaptistsPrimus:

Quiet and gentle resident of Bonasse He tried to be friendly with every-one Bolo kidnapped his two daughtersWinston:

Oldest of the Dorcas children 19 years old at the beginning of the story Leaves Bonasse to become a policeTaffy:

16 years old at the beginning of the story The most troubled of the Dorcas children He got in trouble with the law and had to flee to Port of Spain Also the most charming of the childrenJoyce:

15 years old at the beginning of the story Reader gets all the second hand news about Ivan Morton from her, via Clyde Dated, then eventually got married to Clyde At the end of the book, she is pregnant with her first childReggie:

8 years at the beginning of the text A very intelligent young man Preparing to take the college Exhibition exam in the middle of the text Gets caught up with talk of black empowerment at Buntins shop gains a place in high school on his own initiative, at the beginning of the textGem:

4 years old Youngest child Playful and very bright

CHAPTER SUMMARIESChapter 1:The readers are introduced to the narrator, Eva, and her husband Bee, along with three of their children: Joyce, Gem and Reggie. Reggie has failed his examination and the couple debates whether or not to ask Ivan Morton for help. It becomes apparent that the hope of the community rests on this young politicians shoulders. He disappoints the community, however, when he does not support the Shouter Baptists. The reader is introduced to the budding relationship between Joyce and Clyde, as well as Bolos disappointment in the churchs apathy. The chapter ends with Reggie being placed in a high school after previously applying without his parents knowledge.

Chapter 2:This chapter charts the changes in Bonasse and how it affects Bolo and Clem. Clem accepted and went with the flow, while Bolo just could not accept change and became disruptive. The banning of carnival, hence stick fighting, became a reality, and the change that Americans had on the cultural identity of the people was emphasized throughout this chapter.

Chapter 3:The church plays a vital role in this chapter. The pride that is felt about its existence and perseverance is expressed by Eva. However, a law is passed that makes the church illegal, thereby forcing the members to plot to keep the church alive. The formulated a plan to be quiet in the way they worship and to try to put a man in the Council. Other things that occur in the chapter are: the tragic tale of Eulalie/Ivan/Bolo, Bolo losing his temper and its tragic results, and the coming of Prince. In the end, Bee decides to break the law because the church is slowly dying.

Chapter 4:In this chapter, the reader learns about Bees children, as well as their response to his talk of breaking the law. Winston wants to become a police and Taffy wants to leave Trinidad. Bolo sits in church as a question mark and eventually leaves, while Bee finally breaks the law.

Chapter 5:Bee breaks the law continuously until the church is raided. Everyone is dragged to jail, but Bolo intercedes on behalf of his mother. He is beaten and subsequently imprisoned for three years with hard labour. Bee was left with no choice but to sell his cow to avoid going to jail. Buntins shop becomes black empowerment central, attracting all the youngsters, including Reggie, to join the discussions. Taffy stabs a boy and runs off to stay with his uncle in Port of Spain, while the Winston leaves Bonasse in order to become a police.

Chapter 6:This chapter is all about the campaign trail and how diligently Bee worked to get Ivan elected. An air of freedom and joy pervades this chapter. It ends, however, with Evas observation of the changes that Ivan makes in his life, in accordance with his new position, as well as her views on the implications behind Ivan Mortons procurement of the house on the hill.

Chapter 7:This is a very dramatic chapter that highlights Bolos release from jail and the extent to which things had changed during his incarceration. He tried to get land and did not succeed, he tried to stick fight and faced cowards. The chapter ends with the destruction that he wrought on the drums in order to express his anger and frustration.

Chapter 8:This chronicles Bolos descent into a mode of destructive behavior: (a) obtaining a job and (b) extorting products from the market vendors, rum shop and gambling shop. Bolos fame extends outside Bonasse in this chapter, thereby highlighting the severity of his anger.

Chapter 9:Joyce, the Dorcas only daughter, gets married, while Bolo kidnaps Primus two daughters. Bee tries to get men to challenge' Bolo, since that is what he wants, but he barely succeeds at this. The police intercede and Bolo, as well as Primus youngest daughter, gets killed.

Chapter 10:Election time and Ivan is on the trail. The reader is not made aware of whether or not he is re-elected, but what is known is that the Shouter Baptists were legalized. The irony at the end of the book, however, is that on the cusp of their great victory, the spirit left the church. Despite this tragedy, Eva hears it in the music that the boys play on the steel pan.

THEMESRacismWomen in societyReligionEducation vs. religionChangePower and authorityViolence

A Contemplation Upon Flowers

LITERAL MEANINGThe persona wishes that he could be as brave as the flowers, who are aware of theirallegianceto the earth. They know their place and obey the order, or cycle, of life and death. The persona wishes that he could be this way because he is the opposite, he wants to live forever. The persona wants the flowers to teach him NOT to fear death, but to accept it.

LITERARY DEVICES1. SIMILE

Stanza 1, line: The persona is wishing that he could be as brave as the flower. This implies that the persona does not think that he is brave, but a coward in the face of death.

Stanza 2, line 14: This is another comparison between the persona and the plant. The persona wishes that he could look death in the face and be cheerful, like the plant. Again, this emphasizes that he fears death.

2. EUPHEMISMThis phrase is a replacement for the word death. It softens death and makes it appear welcoming and pleasant.

3. IRONYIt is ironic that the flowers look so fresh and alive, when they are facing their very mortality, on the top of a casket. Death is a sad affair, yet the flowers are at their best when ushering people back to the earth.

4. PERSONIFICATIONThe persona is speaking directly to the flowers and giving them human qualities, therefore, the whole poem is an example of the use of personification at its best. He even goes as far as to ask the flowers to teach him things that will allow him to acquire their qualities.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES5. 'galant'This word literally means brave or heroic. The word, however, also brings to mind adjectives such as charming and attentive, like a knight would be in olden days. So the plants are not simply brave in their acceptance of death, but they are also gracious.6. 'harmless show'The word harmless sticks out in this phrase because it implies that the flowers are demure and quiet in their beauty.7. 'bier'This is a movable frame on which a coffin or a corpse is placed before a burial or cremation, or on which they are carried to the grave.8. 'teach me that my breath like yours may sweeten and perfume my death'This implies that if death is not feared, then the person will go into death's arms joyfully, without any sorrow, remorse or bitterness.

TONEThetoneof the poem is admiration, because the persona literally admires the flowers for its accepting attitude towards death.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemood, or atmosphere of the poem is a pensive one. The persona is thinking about death, how he relates to it versus how others relate to it.

CONTRASTA contrast in this poem is the persona's fear of death, versus the flowers' acceptance of it.

THEMATIC CATEGORYDeath, natureA Stone's ThrowLITERAL MEANINGA crowd has caught a woman. The persona implies to the reader that the woman is not decent. She was beautiful, but scared because she had gotten 'roughed up' a little by the crowd. The persona states that the woman has experienced men's hands on her body before, but this crowd's hands were virtuous.He also makes a proviso that if this crowd bruises her, it cannot be compared to what she has experienced before. The persona also speaks about a last assault and battery to come. He justifies this last assault by calling it justice, and it is justice that feels not only right, but good. The crowd's 'justice' is placed on hold by the interruption of a preacher, who stops to talk to the lady. He squats on the ground and writes something that the crowd cannot see. Essentially, the preacher judges them, thereby allowing the lady to also judge the crowd, leading to the crowd inevitably judging itself. The crowd walks away from the lady, still holding stones [which can be seen as a metaphor for judgments] that can be thrown another dayLITERARY DEVICES1. SARCASMThe persona is making the point that the lady was in fact NOT decent looking.

2. PERSONIFICATIONThis device is particularly effective because the word 'kisses' is used. Kiss implies something pleasant, but it is actuallyutilizedto emphasize something painful that has happened to the lady; she was stoned.

3. PUN

Title: The title of the poem is itself a pun on two levels. A stone's throw is used by many people in the Caribbean to describe a close distance. eg. "She lives a stone's throw away". The other use of the title is to highlight the content of the poem. It is a figurative stoning, or judging, of a woman.

Line 23: There is a play on the word 'come'. The persona is telling the reader that the crowd is planning to eanrape the lady. This act is to come, or occur, in the near future. Come, in this context, also ms to ejaculate, the culmination of the act of sex. The rapists in the crowd also plan to 'come'.

4. ALLUSION (biblical)The content of the poem alludes to the story of Mary Magdalene in the Christian Bible. SeeJohn 8 v 5-7.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES5. 'we'This immediately tells the reader that the persona is in a crowd, which highlights to us that the mob mentality exists in this context. The crowd acts as one entity.6. 'they'The use of this word immediately alienates the lady and places her in the scornful realm of the 'other'.7. 'dead scared'The use of the term 'dead' to describe the lady's emotional state of fearfulness implies that she is extremely frightened, it is beyond regular fear.8. 'tousled'This word means to be handled roughly and, as a result, to look disorderly and disheveled. It is the perfect word to use in this context because it adds to the sexual innuendo that exists throughout the poem.9. 'nothing much'The persona disregards the damage that they have done to the lady. He admits to the rough treatment, but tries to make himself, and the crowd, look favourable despite their wrong doings.10. 'But ours were virtuous, Of course'This is almost like a tongue in cheek admittance that their touch was actually the opposite of virtuous. The use of the term 'of course' highlights this interpretation.11. 'battery'In the Caribbean context, battery refers to the slang term for the rape of an individual, conducted by several people in succession. Therefore, the persona is pointing out the intent of the crowd, or some people in the crowd.12. 'Of right'This is a clear indication, from the persona, that he believes that he and the mob are in the right.13. 'tastes so good''Taste', to a lot of individuals, is one of the higher senses. Therefore, when the persona uses this word, he is highlighting the intense pleasure that he anticipates from meting out this 'justice'.14. 'this guru, Preacher, God-merchant, God-knows-what'The persona's annoyance at this individual for disrupting his fun comes out in this statement. The persona is deliberately being disrespectful.15. '(Should never speak to them)'This particular line speaks to the alienation that the lady faces. She is scornfully grouped as 'them'.16. 'And saw in her something we couldn't see'The intruder saw value in the lady, something that the crowd did not see.17. 'He turned his eyes on us, Her eyes on us, Her eyes upon ourselves.'This speaks to the fact that the preacher and the lady judge the crowd, and, more importantly, the crowd judges itself. The preacher's act of kindness sheds light on the cruelty that is inflicted on the lady by the crowd.18. 'We walked away Still holding stones'This implies that the crowd still plans to keep judging, and acting on their judgments, as they see fit.

TONEThetoneof the poem is mixed. At times it is almost braggadocious, then it becomes sarcastic, moving to scornful.

THEMATIC CATEGORYDiscrimination, religion, survival, hypocrasy, oppression, alienation.

Dreaming Black BoyLITERAL MEANINGThe poem is about ablack boy who wishes that he could have regular things in life. Things such as acongratulatory hug, to be educated to the highest level and to travel without harassment. The persona yearns to stop fighting for the basic right to be successful and to rise above societal expectationsLITERARY DEVICES1.REPETITION:The constantrepetitionof the phrase 'I wish' points to a yearning, a desperation even, for the basic things that life has to offer. Therepetitiongives credence to the idea that the persona mightbelievethat his wishes are actually dreams that might not come true.

2. ALLUSION:

Stanza 1, lines 6 and 7, alludes to slavery, the state of lacking control over one's own life and destiny. The fact that reference is made to this hints to how the persona feels about his life. He does not feel as if he has control over it.

Stanza 3, lines 19 to 20, alludes toPaul Robeson, a black intellectual, who attained success despite difficult circumstances. The persona yearns to be like this person. He wants room to stretch intellectually. Stanza 4, lines 22 to 25, alludes to theklu klux klan. Burning lights refers to the burning of crosses and the pyjamas alludes to their white outfits that look like pyjamas. The persona wants them to leave him alone, find something else to do other than make his life difficult by contributing to his wishes remaining in the realm of the dreams.IMPORTANT WORDS / PHRASE3.'not sink to lick boots'This refers to the concept of being subservient. To have no choice but to kowtow to people in order to get ahead.4. 'Inside eye a sun'This refers to the persona's mind. He wants to show how intelligent he is without fear. He wants his mind to be a sun. Sun represents brightness and light, that is how he wants his intelligence to shine.

TONEThetone/moodof the poem is one of sadness. The persona is thinking about how he is treated and he reacts to this in a sad way. He keeps wishing that things were different.

THEMATIC CATEGORY:Racism, survival, oppression, desire/dreams.

Dulce et Decorum EstLITERAL MEANINGWilfred Owen, the poet, tells of his first hand experience in war. He tells the tale of tired and wounded soldiers walking through dirt and sludge. Suddenly, there is a warning aboutgas, which the soldiers hurriedly andawkwardlyheed by donning theirhelmets. Unfortunately, one soldier is too late in donning the helmet and his companions watch him 'drowning' in the gas. The unfortunate soldier was thrown in the back of a wagon, where it is implied that he was left to die. The persona points out that if you (the reader/ listener) could have witnessed these events, then you would not tell children the old lie: dulce et decorum estpro patria mori (It is sweet and honourable to die for one's country).LITERARY DEVICES1.SIMILE

Stanza 1, line 1: This simile introduces the exhaustion of the soldiers. Stanza 1, line 2: This emphasizes not only the tiredness of the soldiers, but the fact that they might be sick as well. Stanza 2, line 19: This device gives a visual image of how the soldier physically reacted to the gas. Floundering implies flopping about, therefore, the soldier was flopping about violently. We know it was violent because fire and lime illicit excruciating pain. Stanza 4, line 39: This device gives a visual image of the expression on the soldier's face. This is a particularly grotesque image that highlights the soldier in the throes of death.

Stanza 4, line 39: Cancer is a horrible disease that takes many lives on a daily basis. Therefore, to compare this dying soldiers face to this disease is to emphasize the agony that the soldier was going through, which was reflected on his face. Stanza 4, lines 39-40: This is another graphic comparison that compares the soldier's face to incurable sores. 'Sores' is a disgusting visual image of degradation which, in turn, highlights the soldier in the throes of death.

ALLITERATION

Stanza 1, line 7: This device points to the level of fatigue that the soldiers were undergoing. Stanza 1, lines 7-9: This highlights not only the fatigue that the soldiers were feeling, but the fact that they were injured as well. Stanza 4, lines 29-30: This device highlights a visually graphic death mask. The soldier is in the throes of impending death.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES3.'Bent double'The soldiers are bent over with fatigue. It is very significant that the poet/ persona initiates the poem by highlighting the exhaustion of the soldiers. He is trying to emphasize the harsh realities of war.4.'haunting flares'Flares are typically used to signal distress. The flare is fired from a flare gun, in the air, where rescue crafts, at sea or in the air, can have a general idea of the location of the soldiers who are in distress. Therefore, to describe the flares as haunting implies that the soldiers are severly distressed by their situation.5.'deaf even to the hoots of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.'Five-nines are German 5.9 artillery shells. This means that bullets were firing around them while they were walking. The extent of the soldiers' tiredness is also emphasized at this point because the soldiers do not hear the shells going off around them.6.'An ecstasy of fumbling'The word ecstasy, that is used to describe the fumbling, implies the level of panic that this one word (gas) elicits. The soldiers' were so tired that they could not even hear the five nines, but this one word immediately wakes them up.7.'Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light, as under a green sea, I saw him drowning.'This describes exactly what the outside world looks like through the lens of a gas mask. The effect of the gas is seen in the mention of the word 'drown'. It implies that the unfortunate soldier could not breathe.8.'He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.'This is the very graphic result of breathing in the gas. It is a very violent reaction, as seen in the word 'plunge'. The dying soldier did not simply reach for the persona/poet, but he did so in adesperatemanner, while all the time being unable to breathe.9.'wagon that we flung him in'The statement implies that the soldier was left for dead in a wagon. No regard was shown to him, through the use of the word 'flung'. This implies that war is heartless and tragic.10.'Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.'This statement literally meansit is sweet and honourable to die for one's country. The persona/ poet clearly does NOT believe this to be the case.MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is reflective. The persona/ poet is thinking about his experiences in WW1.

TONEThe generaltoneof the poem is both sarcastic and ironic. The persona/ poet tries to present a visual of the realities of war while using the haunting words that contradict that reality. It is, in fact, NOT sweet and honourable to die for one's country.

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATIONWar, death, survival, oppression, patriotismEpitaphLITERAL MEANINGThe poem is anepitaphto a slave that was hung in the past. The first stanza explains that the nameless slave was hung in the morning, and while some respect was paid to his memory, in the form of the children's actions, life essentially went on. In stanza two, the persona makes it clear that this slave's death has little relevance in the present, except as a passing memory when islanders think about what has influenced their lives up to the present.

LITERARY DEVICES1. SIMILE

Stanza 1, line 4: The swinging body of the slave is compared with an apostrophe to pain. This comparison is very powerful because, in English grammar, an apostrophe represents ownership. Therefore, it is implying that the pain of the black race is so palpable that it is almost something that they own. It emphasizes the painful nature of their history. Stanza 2, line 14: The dead slave's body's swing is compared to sighs. A sigh is an exhalation of breathe that can signal many feelings; relief, agitation, joy, etc., with the major quality being brevity. Therefore, the emphasis is not necessarily on the feeling that the dead slave elicits, upon being remembered, but the brevity with which he is remembered.

2. METAPHORThis metaphor emphasizes the fun that the children paused, out of respect for the swinging body of the dead slave.

3. ALLUSIONThis line alludes to the Negro Spiritual 'Swing Low'. This spiritual speaks of an individual's journey to heaven. This relates to this poem because it carries the implication that the slave's soul has gone to heaven. He hung 'sweet and low' and the chariot came for him, his soul is at rest.IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES4.'clement morning'The slave was hung on a clear, mild and pleasant morning. This highlights the fact that there is no regard for this human being and emphasizes the sadness of this fact. Not even nature cares to coincide with the sadness of this hanging.5.'swung''This is a visual image of the hanging slave. One can literally see the slave swinging.6.'the cane kept growing'Despite the death of this slave, life literally went on, as chronicled by the growth of the cane.7.'what can we recall of a dead slave or two'This highlights the disregard shown towards the slave. This line also contributes to the sarcastic tone of the poem.8.'punctuate our island tale'To punctuate a sentence is to insert commas, full stops etc, in order for the sentence to make sense. Therefore, in this context, when the slave is inserted, or acknowledged in the island's history, it implies that he has an important place in it.9.'the brutal sentences'This refers to the actual history of the island.10.'anger pausestill they pass away.'The reaction to the recollection of the dead slave and his contribution to the island's history is anger. However, this anger is put on hold until the memory of the slave passes away.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is reflective

TONEThetoneof the poem is reflective and slightly sarcastic.

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATIONDeath, racism, desires and dreamsForgive My GuiltLITERAL MEANINGAn adult is reminiscing about a traumatic childhood experience. The persona went hunting and shot two birds, plovers. He suffers extreme guilt about this action in adulthood. The poem describes the event, the actions of the bird, how he reacts, and, by the last line, asks the birds to forgive his guilt.LITERARY DEVICES1.METAPHOR

Line 4: The nature of frost is that it covers everything in its path, therefore, when the flowers are compared to frost, it implies that there were a lot of flowers, enough to hide the boy from the birds.

Line 8: The sand is being compared to gold, the colour. It is emphasizing how beautiful the setting was. Line 12: This metaphor emphasizes the injuries that the birds sustained. The bones are compared to jagged ivory, which is a direct contrast to the smooth feathers that existed before the injury. Lines 20-21: The birds are compared to a flute, an instrument that plays beautiful music. This emphasizes the sadness that is related to their death.

2. SIMILE

Line 5: The air and the flowers are being compared, both are blue. Lines 6-7: This simile offers a beautiful visual image of the birds. Dreams are beautiful, and the birds are compared to this. Line 7: The speed of the birds is being highlighted, while also maintaining that beautiful visual imagery.

3. PUNThe pun is between the words 'airy' and 'air'. 'Airy' means light and beautiful, while 'air' refers to the sky and flying. The poet is lamenting that these light and beautiful things can no longer fly and feel the pleasure of air rushing past them.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES4. 'the blue'This literally translates to the sky. The birds were crying out to the other birds that were flying away.5. 'in war or peace'This phrase highlights the fact that the persona feels extremely guilty about killing the birds, so much so that he thinks about it all the time. Their cries went out for literally one day, but he thinks about the birds all the time.6. 'drown'It is important that the poet chooses to use the word drown, because it means death. He cannot get rid of the sounds of sorrow that the birds made while they were dying.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is nostalgia and guilt.

TONEThetoneof the poem is sad. The poet's response to his guilt is sadness.

THEMATIC CATEGORYDeath, childhood experiences, nature, guilt, loss of innocence, desire/dreams.

God's GrandeurLITERAL MEANINGThe poet expresses that the world is full of God's glory and greatness. This greatness, however, will burn out in a dramatic manner because of man who smears, smudges and pollutes everything without consciousness. Nature is resilient, however, and will persevere from deep in the earth and burst forth, counteracting all of man's ill.1. SIMILE

Line 3: This line indicates that the world will burn out in a brilliant way. Think of how shiny and reflective foil can be, that is the brilliance with which the earth will temporarily burn out. Line 4: Think of the manner in which oil slowly spreads across water, eventually taking over as much of the surface as possible. That is the way in which the world gathers to a greatness.

2. RHETORICAL QUESTIONThe persona questions why men do not care about God's wrath. He implies that this wrath is sure because the Earth is charged, or commanded with the grandeur of God.

3. ALLUSION (biblical)This 'rod' refers to the rod of correction that is found in the Christian Bible. See2 Samuel 7:14. This line implies that God will punish man for being reckless with the world.

4.REPETITIONThis device highlights the damage that man has done to the world. Trodding implies that one walks, or tramples, in order to crush or injure.

5. ALLITERATION

Lines 10-11: This device emphasizes the impact that man has had on his environment. He has impacted every crevice of the world in some negative way, as implied by words such as 'smudge'. Lines 14-15: This device clarifies that the Earth is resilient, no matter what man does to harm it, it will bounce back. Lines 18-19: This device simply re-iterates the resilience of the Earth, we can actually visualize the sun rising.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES7. 'charged'This word implies intensity, impassioned. Therefore, the world has been gifted with intensity of the greatness of God.8. 'grandeur'This implies that something is awesome, or awe inspiring. Therefore, the world is infused with the 'greatness' of God.9. 'And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;Everything in the world is tainted and influenced by man's presence.10. 'nor can foot feel, being shod'This means that man is blind to the damage that he has caused. If one is wearing shoes, it protects them from stones etc, therefore, man's consciousness is deadened by his inability to see the damage that he has caused.11. 'Holy Ghost over the bentWorld broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings'This can be interpreted to mean that the Holy Ghost is protective of the world. The word 'broods' implies that the Holy Ghost is like a mother hen protecting her hurt young chick. 'Warm breast' implies that the Holy Ghost has warm, or maternal feelings, towards the damaged world, while the phrase 'bright wings' implies hope, that all will be well in the long run.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is pensive because the persona is reflecting on man's influence on the world.

TONEThetoneof the poem is one of confidence and formality.

THEMATIC CATEGORYNature, religion

It is the Constant Image of your FaceLITERAL MEANINGThe persona reflects on the image of some-one he cares for. This love interest accused him, with their eyes, of breaking their heart. The persona admits that both of them (he and the love interest) can make no excuses for his behaviour because the love interest does not take precedence over his land, or country. Despite this fact, the persona begs for mercy, pleading guilty for being seduced by his love interest's beauty. This person protects him dearly and he admits that, as a result of this, he has committed treason against his country. He hopes that his country, his other dearest love, will pardon him because he loves both his country and his love interest.LITERARY DEVICES1. PERSONIFICATION

Lines 4, 6-7: The love interest's eyes constantly accuses and convicts the persona. This device highlights the extent to which the persona has hurt this person. Lines 18-20: The persona hopes that his country, his other dearest love, will forgive him for the treasonous act of loving another. This highlights the patriotism that defines the persona's relationship to his country.

2. OXYMORONThe term heart's-treachery implies that the heart, something so vital and indicative of love, has committed a terrible crime. It highlights the heartbreak that the persona has caused his love interest.

IMPORTANT WORD/ PHRASES3. 'constant image'This implies that the persona constantly, or always, remembers his love interest's face. It emphasizes the guilt he feels in relation to this person.4. 'grave attention'The love interest's eyes display grave attention. The word grave impliesintenselyserious, so this person is truly hurt.5. 'world of knives'A knife inflicts pain and destroys. The persona, therefore, is identifying his world with causing pain.6. 'such blackmail with your beauty'To blackmail someone is to have something over them that puts their will in your control. The love interest's beauty has captivated the persona in such a way that he betrays his country with this person.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is reflective. The persona is thinking about his two loves and how he is torn between them.TONEThetoneof the poem is sadness and guilt. The persona is guilt ridden over this love triangle and sadness permeates the words that he uses to describe it.THEMATIC CATEGORYLove, guilt, patriotism, places, desires/ dreams

Le Loupgarou

LITERAL MEANINGThis poem tells the tale of old LeBrun, a man that was rumoured by the townspeople to be aloupgarou. Old women would relax under eaves and gossip about Le Brun, while literally shutting him out of their lives with their closing windows. The prevailing gossip, in this poem, is that he transformed into a hound one night, but was dealt a wound by his own watchman. He then lugged his entrails back to his doorstep, almost dead.

LITERARY DEVICES1. ALLITERATION

Lines 1-3: This alliteration gives the reader a visual imagery of the manner in which the gossip about Le Brun spread. A thread is thin and fine and can weave itself in any crevice, sometimes in a very non-linear and sinuous manner. This describes the way in which the gossip spread. It managed to touch the whole village in an almost insiduous, and complete, manner. Line 5: This literary device speaks to the results of the gossip. Le Brun is alienated from the people of the town. Their fascination with him, however, is evident by the fact that they slowly shut their jalouses/windows. The lack of speed implies that they are watching him, while also alienating him. Lines 17-21: This alliteration highlights the severity of the loupgarou's injuries. You can almost see and hear the wetness of the blood, as well as see the entrails trailing wet through the use of this device.

2. ONOMATOPOEIAThe tap-tapping cane is a part of Le Brun's physical description. He appears to stand out, in terms of his physical appearance, down to the use of his cane.

3. PARADOXThis statement appears nonsensicalat first, but actually makes sense in the long run. The loupgarou is, in fact, a man who is leading a half life as man and beast, so he is not really 'living'. The fact that he can pass on the 'gift' of becoming a werewolf clarifies the fact that Le Brun is actually 'licensed to sell sick fruit', or pass on his sick 'gift'.

4. OXYMORONThe words 'Christian' and 'witches', placed together, emphasizes the dual nature of the women in the village. They are good Christian women who mean no harm, but their fear of the 'difference' that they sense in Le Brun (contributed by his mode of dress), leads them to react in an unchristian manner, like witches, in dealing with him.

* IRONYIt is ironic that Le Brun's own watchman dealt him a lethal blow.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES5.curiousThis word emphasizes the strangeness of the story that is circulated about Le Brun.

6.white linen-linen suit, pink glasses, cork hat (and cane)This outfit would let anyone be seen in a crowd, or other wise. It emphasizes Le Brun's difference , hence, one of the reasons that he would be the focus of gossip. Imagine an individual dressed in the combination below:

7.Alsatian hound, aslatheringlycenthropeThis description of Le Brun displays the distaste that is felt towards him in his animal form.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is reflective.

TONEThetoneof the poem is calm and reflective. The persona appears to be simply recounting a piece of gossip.

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATIONSupernatural

West Indies, U.S.ALITERAL MEANINGThe persona is travelling in a plane, looking down at San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the plane descends. He is saying that this island is the wealthiest in the Caribbean because it has won the jackpot, it has come up lucky. He then points out that he, and others, had travelled to many Caribbean islands and received a hint of the flavour of each island through it's calling card, - its airport - all of which fail when compared to plush San Juan. As they land, they are instructed to stay on the plane if their destination is not San Juan. The persona takes offence and states that America does not want blacks in San Juan, implying that they might be a disruptive force. He notes the efficiency with which things flow, enabling them to take to the skies once more. During the ascent, the persona notes the contrast between the influences of the Caribbean and America. He likens San-Juan to a broken TV, it Iooks good on the outside, but broken on the inside.LITERARY DEVICES1. SIMILE

Line 2: Puerto Rico is compared to dice that is tossed on a casino'sbaize, it can either come up with winning numbers, or losing numbers. Puerto Rico comes up with winning numbers in the game of chance, as reflected in its wealthy exterior, which is supported by America.

Lines 7-8: San Juan's glitter is compared to a maverick's gold ring. The word maverick implies non-conformist, an individualist. This implies that San Juan, Puerto Rico is in the Caribbean, but not a part of the Caribbean. It belongs to America. Lines 10-11: Airports are compared to calling cards. This means that, like a calling card, the quality of the airport gives you an idea of the island's economic status. The airport is also compared to a cultural fingerprint. A fingerprint is an individual thing, therefore the airport gives thetraveleran idea of the island's cultural landscape. Line 39: The road is compared to twisted wires. This means that the roads, from above, look both plentiful and curvy. This does not carry a positive connotation, but implies confusion.2. ALLUSION

Line 5: Dallas is an oil rich state in America. Therefore, many of its inhabitants are wealthy, and the state itself, is wealthy. By stating that San Juan is the Dallas of the West Indies, it implies that it is a wealthy island in the West Indies. Lines 5-7: An allusion is being made to the well known cliche; 'every cloud has a silver lining'. It means that behind everything that is seemingly bad, there is good. In the context of this poem, it means that the good, the silver lining, has a mark, or stamp, that authenticates its good quality; it is hallmarked. This implies that it will always have its silver lining showing.3. SARCASM

Line 20: This statement means the exact opposite of what is stated. The persona is disgusted that Uncle Sam (America) would have such a regulation. This regulation bars anyone from stepping a toe on Puerto Rican soil, if it is not your intended destination. You just have to remain in the air craft, no matter the waiting period, until it is time for takeoff. The persona believes that the Americans are being blatantly discriminatory, and are attempting to camouflage it through the use of regulations. He does not believe that they have achieved their goal ofsubtlety. Line 26: The persona implies that America is all talk and no action. They really do not want the poor because they bar them from entering and expediently sends them on their way when they enter their airport. The statement is sarcastic because it is loaded with an alternate meaning, due to the contrast in statement and action.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES4. 'plush'This word implies soft, like a teddy bear. It also implies luxury. So San Juan is all of these things.5.'desperate blacks might re-enslave thisIsland of the free'These 'desperate blacks' to whom the persona is referring are the poor people of the Caribbean. If they converge on the glistening San Juan, sucking up its resources, then it might become re-enslaved by poverty.6.'America's back yard'A backyard means one of two things for people. It is a haven where you relax, therefore you decorate it and invest time and money in it. Or, you ignore it and spend all your time indoors, not investing any time, energy or money in it. America viewed Puerto Rico as the latter, a prize in which it saw value. Therefore, when the persona uses this phrase, he is implying that while it is valued, it is still at the back. Slight sarcasm is being used here.7.'the contrasts tantalise'When something, or someone, is tantalising, it implies that it is intriguing. The persona, by using this phrase, is trying to draw the readers attention to to the jarring contrasts by stating that he finds themintriguing.8.'fierce efficiency'The word fierce, used to describe the level of efficiency with which the people worked to get the plane off the ground, shows the extent to which they were not wanted on the island.9.'fools-glitter'This implies that the flashiness of San Juan was not authentic.10.'It's sharp and jagged and dangerous, and belonged to some-one else.'This implies that San Juan is not safe. The cultures are not melding, but jarring against each other. The reason for this is because it belongs to someone else.

CONTRASTThe contrast in this poem is found in stanza 5. The American cars etc, against the pushcarts. The American culture versus the Puerto Rican culture.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is sarcastic.

TONEThetoneof the poem is slightly bitter, which is fueled by the sarcastic atmosphere.

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATIONDiscrimination, oppression, places, culture.

To An Athlete Dying YoungThe persona is recalling the fact that an athlete, who was a fellow townsman, won a race for their town. As a result, the athlete was cheered by the townspeople and brought home on their shoulders. The persona then takes the poem into the present by making the reader/ audience aware that the athlete is now dead. The third stanza reveals the persona's views on the death of the athlete. He believes that the athlete was smart to die. This is the case because he has left a world where glory is fleeting. The persona goes on to explain that if a person is dead, they cannot see their record broken. He believes that the athlete is lucky because he will not be one of the many athletes who have worn their honours out, and have been beaten. The persona is basically pointing out that if you die young, in the midst of your success, you will not see your record, or the standard that you have set, broken.

LITERARY DEVICES1. ALLITERATION

Stanza 1, line 1: This device sets a meandering, yet interesting, pace to the poem. This is so because one has to

slow down topronounce each 't'. It is almost as if the persona is about to tell us, the audience, a story.

Stanza 6, lines 21-22: This device emphasizes the major point of this poem; that glory is fleeting, therefore, the persona is lucky that he is no longer in the race. He has set his 'fleet foot', or speedy legs, at death's door. The interestingrepetitionof two different consonants first draws the reader's eye, then the words emphasize the main point of the poem.

2. PUNThe pun is placed on the word 'chaired' and 'cheering'. The first word implies that the athlete was carried on the shoulders of the townsfolk, while the second word, implies that the athlete was applauded by the inhabitants of the town. Both words carry the implication that people of the town were pleased with the athlete's performance.

3. REPETITIONThe repetition of this particular phrase highlights the fact hat, whether in life or death, the athlete was respected.

4. EUPHEMISM

Stanza 2, line 8: The term 'stiller town' is used to replace the wordcemetery. It is a term that softens the tone of the poem. Stanza 4, line: 13: The term 'shady night' is used to replace the harsher word 'death'. It too softens the tone of the poem.

5. SIMILEA laurel is literally a plant with dark, green glossy leaves. This plant was worn on the head as an emblem of victory, or a mark of honour, in classical times. This plant is compared to the rose because it is said, according to the persona, to wither faster. On a figurative level, this could be interpreted as meaning that victory, as represented by the laurel, does not last.

6. OXYMORONThe contrast exists between silence being given a sound. This immediately draws the reader/ audience's attention, which, in turn, purposefully highlights the main theme of the poem; it is better to die before one witnesses their record cut. Silence is no worse than cheers when one can hear neither of them.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES7.'smart lad, to slip betimes awayfrom fields where glory does not stay'The persona believes that the athlete is smart to die before his record was shattered by some-one else. 8.'after earth has stopped the ears'Earth, in this context, literally means the dirt that covers a coffin. Therefore, the athlete can hear neither silence nor cheers when his coffin is enclosed by dirt.9.'rout'This word literally means an overwhelming defeat. The persona is, therefore, saying that the athlete will not become a part of the group of athletes that are defeated if he dies before his record is broken.10.'wore their honours out'This line refers to the fact that when an athlete outlives his record, he is no longer placed on a pedestal and adored. He has, therefore, worn his honours out.11.'lintel'This word is defined as a horizontal architectural member supporting the weight of an opening (window or door). In this context, the lintel is the supporting structure above the coffin and the persona is holding it up. This implies that the athlete will remain victorious in death.12.'early laurelled head'This line means that the athlete was victorious in his youth.13.'and find unwithered on its curls the garland briefer than a girl's'The dead will find that the athlete is still victorious, even in death. Therefore, the laurel, which signifies success and victory, will be fresh and unwithered on the athlete's head.MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is reflective.

TONEThetoneof the poem is reflective.

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATIONDeath, sports

This is the Dark Time, My LoveThe persona speaks to some-one that he cares for. He tells this person that this is the dark time, which is, inessence, a time of sadness. It is implied, by certain key terms; such as 'dark metal', that it is a time of war. The persona warns his 'love' that it is a dark, sad time.LITERARY DEVICES1. REPETITION

Stanza 1, line 1 & stanza 2, line 7: The repetition of this phrase highlights that there is something seriously amiss. The persona is telling his 'love' that this is a sad and terrible time.

2. ALLITERATIONThis device literally draws the readers' visual attention to the sentence. The sentence

implies that everything that is good and positive is hidden away, or gone. This alliteration sets a sad tone at the very beginning of this poem.

3. PERSONIFICATIONThis device emphasizes the sad tone of the poem. This is the case because flowers are usually associated with feelings of happiness and cheerfulness. Therefore, if the flowers - embassadors of joy - are sad, then it highlights how really sad the times have become.

4. METAPHORThe contrast in this device is startling. The terms 'festival' and 'carnival' not only describes fun and festivity, but also a large amount of each. Both words are associated with huge crowds. This emphasizes how terrible the times have become because guns and misery are plentiful.

5. RHETORICAL QUESTION

Stanza 3, line 13: This device informs the reader/ audience that a threat exists and that it comes in the dark of night. Stanza 3, lines 14 - 15: It is implied that the threat is a soldier through the term 'boot of steel'. The 'slender grass' is the innocent youth who is cut down and trampled by these 'boots of steel'. The fact that we are given this information through the use of rhetorical question adds mystery and intrigue to the poem.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES6.'All round the land brown beetles crawl about.'Some variety of brown beetles are scavengers that feed on decaying or dead carcasses. Therefore, when the persona states that they crawl about, it implies that a lot of dead or decaying bodies exist in the land.7.'season of oppression, dark metal, and tears.'A season is an extended period of time. Therefore, the persona is telling his 'love' that it is a period of extreme sadness. This sadness is brought about by the 'dark metal', which can be literally interpreted as vehicles of war.8.'man of death'The man of death, in this context, is the soldier.9.'Watching you sleep'Sleep is a state of extreme vulnerability. This is the case because when one falls asleep, they fall into unconsciousness, which equates to a state ofdefenselessness. The fact that the man of death, ie soldier, watches the persona's 'love' while he/she sleeps, implies that this person is not only vulnerable, but in extreme danger.10.'aiming at your dream.'The man of death's purpose is to destroy the persona's 'love's' dreams, or desires.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is a sad one. The persona is giving his 'love' sad and depressing news.

TONEThetoneof the poem is also a sad one.

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATIONRacism, places.

Theme For English BLITERAL MEANINGThe persona's lecturer gave him an assignment to write a page that reflects 'him', or his character. The persona wonders if this is a simple task, and begins to think about his life. Things like his age, place of birth, race and place of residence. Based on these musings, he surmises that he is confused due to his youth. He guesses that he is what he feels, sees and hears, which is Harlem, New York. He continues his musing about what he likes, and concludes that he likes the same things that people of other races like. On this basis, he questions whether or not his page will be influenced by race. He concludes that it will not be white. He admits that his instructor, as well as the fact that this instructor is white, will have some influence on his page. He states that they both influence each other, that is what being American is about. He believes that both of them might not want to influence each other, but it cannot be helped. He concludes that both of them will learn from each other, despite the fact that the instructor has the advantage of being older, white and 'more free'. All of these musings and conclusions become his page for English B.

LITERARY DEVICES

1.RHETORICAL QUESTION

Stanza 2, line 6: The persona ponders the ease of what he is asked to do. This question, in turn, actually highlights the difficult nature of the task. Stanza 3, line24: This question highlights the persona's confusion as to who he is, or his character. He is unsure. Stanza 4, line 32: The persona is wondering whether his race will affect what he writes on the page. This is despite the fact that he concludes that race does not hinder people, in general, liking the same things.

2.REPETITIONThis repetition emphasizes the profound impact that Harlem, New York, has had on the personality of the persona.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES3.'here to this college on the hill above Harlem.'The fact that the college is on a hill, above Harlem, is very important. It highlights the fact that the college is a superior entity. The people of Harlem look up at it, showing their inferiority.4.'I am the only colored student in the class.'This line emphasizes the persona's 'otherness' in relation to every-one else in the class. He is different. The isolation of the sentence (enclosed by full stops/periods) also emphasizes the persona's 'otherness'.5.'The steps from the hill lead down into Harlem, through a park, then I cross St. Nicholas, Eighth Avenue, Seventh, and I come to the Y, the Harlem Branch Y, where I take the elevator up to my room'This line highlights the fact that the college is a great distance from his home. This distance is also metaphorical because it is implied that the experiences that he has at the college are also a great distance from the experiences that he has in Harlem. They are two different worlds.6.'But it will bea part of you, instructor.You are white -yet a part of me, as I am a part of you.That's American.'This statement reveals the fact that America is viewed as a melting pot by the persona. He believes that different races and cultures influence each other, thereby forming the term 'American'7.As I learn from you,I guess you learn from me -although you're older - and white -and somewhat more free.This statement, by the persona, repeats his belief that the American society is a melting pot. It also, however, states that not every-one is equal within this society.

* It is interesting to note that the persona's 'page for English B' becomes a journey of self discovery that actually does not end. He forms no conclusion as to who he is because his personality is still 'in process'

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is reflective.

TONEThetoneof the poem is also reflective.

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATIONRacism, places

The Woman Speaks to the Man Who Has Employed Her SonLITERAL MEANINGThe persona in this poem is telling the story of a mother who loved her son. The mother became aware of the child's presence when she experienced morning sickness. She placed all her hopes in the child and raised him as a single parent because his father was indifferent to the child's existence. The mother had set no barriers on what the child could become, but is told that he has an employer who values him so much that he is given his own submarine gun. The son tells his mother that his employer is like a father to him, but the mother wonders at the father figure who purposefully endangers his child. She prepares for her son's death by going downtown to buy funeral apparel. The mother feels powerless, so she prays for her child and says protective psalms for him. On the other hand, she reads psalms of retribution for the employer and weeps for her son. Her situation does not look good and is likened to a partner system in which she draws both the first and the last hand.

LITERARY DEVICES1. SIMILE

Lines 1-2: The persona emphasizes that the mother placed all her hopes in her son. When you are poor, generally, you have no prospects, you only dream and hope. Therefore, the persona uses this metaphor to emphasize the mother's dependence on her son's success. Line 17: The employer is being compared to a father figure. This implies that this person fills a gap in the son's life.

2. SARCASMThe persona appears to praise the child's father by referring to him as 'fair-minded'. She is, however, chastising him for not only ignoring his son, but all of his other children.

3. IRONY (situational)The son innocently tells his mother that his employer values him so much that he gave him a whole submachine gun for himself. The irony in this situation is that if you really care about someone, you do NOT give them a gun due to the negative results that are bound to occur.

4. ALLUSION (biblical)

Lines 28-29: This line alludes to a particular verse in the Christian Bible,Luke 11 vs 11. The verse questions what the actions of a good father should be. Lines 38-39: Psalms is a particular chapter in the Christian Bible. In this chapter there are verses for protection, the mother uses those for her son, as well as verses for retribution and rebuking. It is implied that the mother chooses those for the employer. Lines 43-45: In the Christian Bible, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. Therefore, it does not bode well for the mother if she is in a 'partnership' with this person's mother because she might also be betrayed. The banker in the 'partnership' also happens to be the thief on the left hand side of the cross' mother. This also does not bode well for the mother if the apple does not fall far from the tree. Line 49: Absalom is the son of David, in the Christian Bible. Absalom betrayed his father, which implies that the mother feels betrayed by her son because she has placed all her hopes in him.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES5.'a need to cryfor little reasons and a metallic tiderising in her mouth each morning.'These two symptoms are early signs of pregnancy. The metallic tide refers to vomiting. These signs usually occur in the first trimester of pregnancy.6. 'full term'This means that the mother carried her son for the full nine months that a pregnancy should last.7. 'tight up under her heart'This hints at the love that the mother harbours for her child. He was not simply 'close to her heart', but 'tight up' under it. It implies that the son holds a special place in her heart.8. 'set no ceiling'A ceiling is something that blocks you in, you cannot get past it. The mother set no limits on her son, he could be anything he wanted to be.9. 'his bloody salary'This implies that the mother believes that the result of the son's 'job' will be death.10. 'the level of earth'The mother has no power to change her son's situation. Earth is used to emphasize her powerlessness on this level, the realm of 'reality'.11. 'knee city'This refers to the fact that the mother constantly prayed for her child.12. 'eye water covers you'This implies that the mother cried constantly for the plight of her son. The fact that it 'covers him' speaks to the high quantity of tears that were shed.13. 'partner'This is an informal saving scheme set up with a specific number of individuals for the duration of a specific time span. Each person agrees to pay a designated figure on a monthly basis. The 'draws' are decided, meaning who gets the money first, second, third etc, on a monthly basis.The banker then collects the money and gives the monthly pool to the person who is to receive their 'draw'. Therefore, a 'partnership' is dependent upon the honesty of the banker, who could abscond with the money, as well as the honesty of the members of the savings scheme, who could decide NOT to pay after they have received their draw.14. 'banker'The banker, or financial controller, of this partnership is the mother of a thief. This does not bode well for the mother if the thief on the cross learnt it from his mother.15. 'her draw thoughis first and last for she still throwing two hands as mother and father'.This statement implies that though the mother has the advantage of first draw as mother, she loses that advantage because she also has the role of father. Mothers cannot father sons. The fact that the son has found a father figure proves this to be true. Therefore, she has the last draw, which carries with it the disadvantage of not receiving a full 'draw'. The longer one waits for a draw is the more likely that dishonesty will come into play on the part of the participants.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is reflective. The persona is thinking about a mother's response to her son's life choices.

TONEThetoneof the poem is pragmatic and pessimistic. The persona is telling the tale as it is, with no positive energy.

THEMATIC CATEGORYDeath, love, survival, desires/ dreams, childhood experiences.

Test Match Sabina ParkLITERAL MEANINGThe persona, a white male, proudly entersSabina Parkto watch a cricket match between England and the West Indies. The persona notices that the game is slow and that the crowd is not reacting well. He is, in fact, initially shocked that there is a crowd at all because this is usually not the case atLords. By lunch, England is sixty eight for none, and the crowd gets abusive. They even state that maybe they should borrowLawrence Rowe. The persona tries to explain the reason behind the slow pace of the British side, but fails to convince even himself. His embarrassment at England's performance has him eventually skulking out of the venue.LITERARY DEVICES1. RHETORICAL QUESTION

Stanza 2, lines 6-7: This question reveals that, despite the fact that cricket is a popular sport in England, the venues for the matches are not crowded. This question could also point to the fact that Sabina Park was very crowded.

Stanza 3, line 10: This question represents the general frustration of the West Indians in the crowd. They are annoyed that the cricket match is progressing so slowly. Stanza 4, lines 16-18: These questions imply that the West Indian crowd's level of frustration has escalated.

2. ALLUSIONThe allusion to Lawrence Rowe, a very colourful and successful West Indian cricketer, emphasizes the fact that the match is slow and boring.

3. SARCASMTo 'boycott' is to abstain from, or to stop, doing something. Therefore, the persona is being sarcastic because excitement is a good thing. People usually boycott for something negative, therefore the persona is, again, highlighting the slow and boring pace of the cricket match.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES4.'rosette of my skin'Rosette implies a reddish colour, or tint, to the skin, that sometimes resembles a rose. This description immediately identifies the race of the persona as caucasian. The persona is proud of his race, as he enters Sabina Park.5.'strut'This word means to walk proudly. It emphasizes the fact that the persona is proudly walking into Sabina Park.6.'something badly amiss'The persona is jolted by the fact that the match is going slowly. The word 'amiss' implies wrong, the game should not be going so slowly.7.'vociferous partisans'Vociferous means to be very noisy and clamorous, while patisan is a person who shows biased, emotional allegiance. Therefore, the West Indian crowd was extremely noisy in their support of their team. They were also very unappreciative of the slow pace of the match.8.'England sixty eight for none at lunch'While this is a good score, it never-the-less highlights the slowness of the match, hence the fact that the experience, for the crowd, was far from exciting.9.'the wicket slow'The purpose of the wicket is to 'out' the opposing side. Therefore, no 'outing' is occurring, the wickets are standing. Everything about the match is going slowly.10.'sticky wickets'This implies a sticky, orawkwardsituation. It highlights England's situation.11.'loud 'busin'The English team was being loudly abused.12.'skulking behind a tarnished rosette'Skulking implies hiding in shame, and tarnished means tainted. Therefore, the proud Englishman is now embarrassed, and the rosette of his skin is making him stand out. Initially this was a very good thing, but now it is a disadvantage.13.'blushing nationality'.At this point, the Englishman admits to being embarrassed for his team, as well as himself.

*There is a distinctCONTRASTbetween the beginning of the poem when the persona is proud, and 'struts'. However, by the end of the poem, he is embarrassed and 'skulking'

VOICESThere are two distinct voices in this poem. The English man's and the West Indian's.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is tense.

TONEThetoneof the poem is one of frustration (West Indian) andembarrassment (English man).

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATIONDiscrimination, places, culture and sports

SouthLITERAL MEANINGThe persona speaks about the fact that today he is recapturing the beauty of the island of his birth. He reflects on the fact that he has travelled to the lands of the north, which appeared to be the very opposite of his island. The persona appeared, at that point, to be homesick for his island and resented the ease and comfort that the Northerners' felt towards their land. He then shifts back to the present where he appreciates certain features of the island, particularly those that remind him of his past on the island.LITERARY DEVICES1. ALLITERATION

Stanza 1, lines 1-2: The sound that the alliteration illicits, when spoken, is a positive one. This is the case because the alliteration forces the reader to sound cheerful, thereby facilitating the interpretation that the persona is happy to be home. Stanza 1, lines 4-5: This alliteration, again, draws the reader through the sound that it illicits. One can almost hear the sound that the sea makes through the repetition of the 's' sound. It emphasizes the joy that the persona feels to be home. Stanza 2, lines 13-14: This alliteration, when spoken, is staccato. It literally emphasizes the persona's discomfort, and dislike, of the new context that he is faced with. It is alien to him, as seen when contrasted with the scene that he describes in the first stanza.

Stanza 4, line 33: This device gives the reader a visual image of the scene. It is simple image that highlights the persona's excitement at being home and seeing scenes, even seemingly inconsequential ones, that he knows and loves. Stanza 5, line 43: This alliteration gives the reader a visual of what the persona sees as pleasant and calming, as opposed to the alliteration in stanza 2. The sound that the alliteration illicits is a calm one, implying that the persona is at peace.

2.PERSONIFICATION

Stanza 1, lines 6-7: This device gives a beautiful impression of the effect that the island had on the persona. He felt whole when he was there, at peace. Stanza 2, lines 16-17: The shadows, in this context, represents his past life and experiences on the island. The memories of his island illicits feelings of sadness, even homesickness. These memories cast an oppressive shadow over his life in the north.

3.SIMILEThe persona compares the flowing of the rivers, which represents the north, to his longing for his island home. This comparison indicates that his longing is an intense one, he is homesick.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES4.'recapture'The word capture means to take possession of something or someone. Therefore, when the persona says that he is recapturing his island, it implies that he is taking back possession of what he once owned.5.'Since then I have travelled'This line indicates that the persona did not remain on the island of his birth.6.'sojourned in stoniest cities'This highlights a contrast between the persona's island and the cities that he visited. His island has beaches and oceans, while the cities that he visited were concrete jungles made of stone.7.'We who are born of the ocean can never seek solace in rivers'The persona refers to the north, and its populace, as rivers, while the south, and his island, is the ocean. This line highlights the persona's discontent in the north.8.'reproves us our lack of endeavour and purpose'Reprove is to reprimand. Therefore, the line is saying that the flowing river, the north, reprimands the ocean, the south, for its lack of effort and resolve. This implies that the persona might be homesick and, therefore, not functioning at full capacity in the new northern environment.9.'proves that our striving will founder on that.'The term founder literally means the owner or operator of a foundry. This has little to do with the context of the poem, therefore, it can be assumed that poetic license was utilized at this point. Contextually, the line can be interpreted as meaning that the persona's subsequent striving, or efforts, will be founded on the reprimand made by the river, or the north.10.'there'The emphasis placed on this word, through the use of italics, highlights the fact that the persona is both happy and excited to be home.11.'and look!'The exclamation mark emphasizes the persona's enthusiasm, and excitement, when he identifies a scene that is reminiscent of his past.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is reflective. The persona is thinking about his island home, as well as places that he has visited in the north.

TONEThetoneof the poem goes from being reflective, to being elated.

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATIONPatriotism, places, desires and dreams

Sonnet Composed Upon A Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802LITERAL MEANINGThe persona in this poem is reflecting on the perfection of the city. He believes that there is nothing on Earth so beautiful as the city in the morning. Only a dull person would not appreciate such a majestic sight. He is awed by the calm of the city.

LITERARY DEVICES1. SIMILEThe persona compares the manner in which the beauty of the morning settles over the city, to that of a garment on a body. This emphasizes the perfection of the beauty of the morning, just as a garment flows smoothly over a body.

2. PERSONIFICATION

Lines 9-10: The sun is referred to as a male who rises sharply and beautifully. This emphasizes the beauty of the city in the morning. The use of this personification also helps the reader to personalize this beauty. Line 12: Like the sun, the river is personalized as well. This allows the reader to see the river as real, instead of a thing. It comes alive and we can visualize it's movement, gliding, as beautiful. Line 13: When some-one is asleep, they are usually peaceful. Therefore, when the persona describes the houses as sleeping, he is emphasizing the peace that exists in the city in the morning. The inhabitants of the houses are asleep, therefore the houses are quiet and peaceful.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES4. 'fair'The word fair, in this context, literally means beautiful. The persona is setting the stage for the reader, introducing the fact that the city is beautiful.5. 'majesty'This word implies that the city is regal in it's splendour. Therefore, it is beyond beautiful and has become stately.6. 'steep'This word describes the way in which the sun ascends into the sky. It is stressed that it does so in a beautiful manner.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is pensive, or thoughtful. The persona is expressing his thoughts, and reaction to, the city in the morning.

TONEThetoneof the poem is one of awe.

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATIONNature, places.

OrchidsLITERAL MEANINGThe persona is moving from a house that she has occupied for five weeks. She has sent her belongings to her future home, but one item remains in her old space, an orchid. The persona clarifies that she was given the orchid as a gift, but implies that it holds no value because the gifting of orchids is habitual for the person who gave her. She describes the flower as odourless, but attractive. She watered the orchid once, expecting it to die, but it survived. It not only survived, but bloomed. The persona contemplates plucking the bloom and pressing it between the pages of a book. The purpose of this is to allow her to appreciate the flower.LITERARY DEVICES1. SIMILEThe orchid's full blown blossoms are being compared to a polished poem. The word polished in this comparison implies perfection, shiny and pleasant to read.

2. PUNThe purple heart literally refers to the splash of color in the center of the orchid's bloom, but it could also refer to the bravery of the flower. This is so because a purple heart, in the army, is a medal that a soldier receives for bravery.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES3. 'box pieces'This phrase implies that the persona's life is literally in boxes, all her belongings are stored and ready to be moved.4. 'from a bouquet one who makes a ritual of flower-giving sent.'This phrase implies that the persona places no value in the orchid because its giver gifted it without any sentiment attached.5. 'unfurled'This word literally means to open. Therefore, despite the persona's attempts at killing the orchid, through starvation, it not only survived but flourished.6. 'full-blown blooms'These full-blown blooms represent the flower at its peak, where it is most full of life, as well as where it is most usually appreciated.7. 'pages of memory'This refers to the practice of placing a flower between the pages of a book, thereby drying, or killing the flower. The purpose of this act is to keep the flower for nostalgic reasons.8. 'peculiar poetry'This phrase highlights the persona's desire to discover the value in the flower. It is very IRONIC, however, that she would choose to kill it in order to achieve this goal. Usually people place value in a living flower that can give pleasure through its beauty.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is pensive, or thoughtful. The persona is thinking about the lack of value that she places in the orchid.

TONEThetoneof the poem is one of almost bored musing.

THEMATIC CATEGORYDeath, nature, survival, desire/ dreams.

Once Upon A TimeLITERAL MEANINGA parent is talking to his/her's son and telling him how things used to be. The parent tells the son that people used to be sincere, but are now superficial and seek only to take from others. The persona tells the child that he/she has learnt to be just like these people, but does not want to be like that anymore. The parent wants to be as sincere as the son.LITERARY DEVICES1. METAPHORThe people's eyes are as cold as ice. This means that there is no warmth or real feeling in the words that they say, or how they behave.This metaphor literally allows you to visualize a block of ice, cold and unwelcoming.

2. SIMILE

Stanza 4, lines 20-21 emphasizes the constant changes in the persona's face. If you think of how often a woman changes her dress, then that is how often the persona adjusts his/her's personality to suit an audience. The list of faces that follow this line emphasizes this point. Stanza 4, lines 23-24 compares people's faces to smiles in a portrait. If you think about a portrait, it is usually very formal and stiff, even uncomfortable. Therefore, the implication is that the smiles are actually fake and stiff. They are conforming, or trying to fit, to a preconceived mold that is set up by societal expectations. Stanza 6, lines 38-40 compares the persona's laugh to a snakes. When you think of a snake, words such as sneaky and deceitful come to mind. Therefore, the implication is that the persona is fake, just like the people he/she despises.

3. REPETITIONThis phrase is repeated at the beginning and the end of the poem. This usually signals the beginning of a fairy tale. Therefore, it is implied that the persona is nostalgic about the past.

IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES4.'they only laugh with their teeth'This emphasizes the insincerity of the people around the persona. To laugh with your teeth means that only the bottom half of your face is engaged, the laugh does not reach the eyes.5. 'shake hands with their heart'To shake hands with your heart implies a strong handshake that is sincere, this is the opposite of what now occurs between people.6. 'search behind my shadow'This implies that the person cannot look the persona in the eye, they are looking everywhere but there. Looking someone in the eye during a conversation implies that one is sincerely interested in what you have to say. Not being able to do so implies shiftiness.7. 'hands search my empty pockets'People are only 'seemingly' nice to get something from you. So, they smile with you, but it is not sincere, they are seeking to get something from you.8. 'unlearn all these muting things'The word mute means silence, think of what happens when you press the mute button on the TV remote. Therefore, there is an implication that the insincere actions that the persona describes are muting, they block, or silence, good intentions. Hence, the persona wants to 'unlearn' these habits.

MOOD/ ATMOSPHEREThemoodof the poem is nostalgic. The persona is remembering how things used to be when he was young and innocent, like his son.

TONEThetoneof the poem is sad. The poet's response to his nostalgia is sadness.

THEMATIC CATEGORIZATION

Death, childhood experiences, hypocrisy, loss of innocence, desire/dream